Born in Brooklyn, NY. A former actor and dancer, he choreographed many Broadway and Hollywood musical productions in the 50s and 60s and became resident choreographer at the American Ballet Theatre. Among the films he choreographed are CARMEN JONES (1954), THE YOUNG ONES (1961), SUMMER HOLIDAY (UK, 1963), INSIDE DAISY CLOVER (1966), DOCTOR DOLITTLE (1967) and FUNNY GIRL (1968). He also directed a number of Broadway musicals, including House of Flowers (1954), Finians's Rainbow (1960), I Can Get It for You Wholesale (1962), and Kelly (1965) and in 1969 turned out his first film as director, the musical version of GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS. He subsequently competently directed other lavish entertainment films. His output, often comprising adaptations from the stage, ranged from Woody Allen and Neil Simon comedies to fine dramas and films centering on the dance. His TURNING POINT (1977) was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director. Other notable (non-nominated) credits include: (as producer) THE LAST OF SHEILA (1973, also director), THE SEVEN-PER-CENT SOLUTION (1976, also director), PENNIES FROM HEAVEN (1981, also director), I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES (1982, also director), MAX DUGAN RETURNS (1983, also director), THE SECRET OF MY SUCCE$S (1987, also director), MY BLUE HEAVEN (1990, also director), TRUE COLORS (also director) and SOAPDISH (exec. prod.) (both 1991), UNDERCOVER BLUES (1993, exec. prod. & director), BOYS ON THE SIDE (1995, also director) and SHALLOW END (released in 2002); (as director) THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT (1970), T.R. BASKIN (1971), PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM (1972), FUNNY LADY and THE SUNSHINE BOYS (both 1975), THE GOODBYE GIRL (1977), CALIFORNIA SUITE (1978), NIJINSKY (1980), FOOTLOOSE and PROTOCOL (both 1984) and STEEL MAGNOLIAS (1989). Several of his films were co-produced by his late wife, ballet dancer Nora Kaye, who died in 1987. In 1988 he married fashion executive Lee Bouvier Radziwill, the sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  Nominated for Best Picture 1977: THE TURNING POINT - Producer at Hera Productions (w. Arthur Laurents)  Nominated for Directing 1977: THE TURNING POINT 2 nominations