Born in Hawaii; graduated from St. Louis School. Screenwriter and songwriter who entered American film in 1980 after appearing as a replacement in Pippin on Broadway in the 1970s. He wrote the screenplay for FOOTLOOSE (1984) and adpated it to the Broadway stage for the 1998-1999 season. He also wrote the lyrics for the ill-fated Broadway production of Carrie (1988). Other writing credits include SING (1989) and THE WASHING MACHINE MAN (1991, TV). He wrote the theme song for the TV series "Solid Gold" (1980) and "Fame" (1982), as well as the lyrics for the song "The Man in the Mask" for THE LEGEND OF THE LONE RANGER (1981). His song "Holding Out for a Hero" was used in BANDITS (2001).  Music Best Song 1980: FAME "Fame" - Lyric  Nominated for Music Best Song 1984: FOOTLOOSE "Footloose" - Music & Lyric (w. Kenny Loggins)  Nominated for Music Best Song 1984: FOOTLOOSE "Let's Hear It for the Boy" - Music & Lyric (w. Tom Snow)  Nominated for Music Best Song 1989: CHANCES ARE "After All" - Music & Lyric (w. Tom Snow) 4 nominations, 1 Award