Educated at the University of Redlands, CA (psychology, creative writing). Literary agent turned screenwriter who scored with the popular Eddie Murphy vehicle, BEVERLY HILLS COP (1984). Petrie began a second career as a producer with SHOOT TO KILL (1988). Petrie also served as president of the Writers Guild (West) from 1997 to 1999 and then again beginning in 2004. Other notable writing credits include THE BIG EASY (1987), TURNER & HOOCH (1989, also exec. producer), TOY SOLDIERS (1991, also director), IN THE ARMY NOW (1994, also director), "Framed" (2002, TV - also director) and "Pictures of Hollis Woods" (2007, TV). Son of director Daniel Petrie [A RAISIN IN THE SON (1961), THE BETSY (1978), FORT APACHE, THE BRONX (1981), et al.] and brother of AFI-trained director Donald Petrie (MYSTIC PIZZA, 1988).  Writing (Best Screenplay written directly for the screen) 1984: BEVERLY HILLS COP (w. Danilo Bach) 1 nomination, 1 Award