James L. Brooks

Biography

James Lawrence Brooks (born May 9, 1940) is an American director, producer, screenwriter and co-founder of Gracie Films. He co-created the sitcoms The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, and The Simpsons and directed the films Terms of Endearment (1983), Broadcast News (1987), and As Good as It Gets (1997). He received numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards, 22 Emmy Awards, and a Golden Globe Award. Brooks started his career as an usher at CBS, going on to write for the CBS News broadcasts. He moved to Los Angeles in 1965 to work on David L. Wolper's documentaries. He wrote for My Mother the Car and My Friend Tony and created the series Room 222. Grant Tinker hired Brooks and producer Allan Burns at MTM Productions to create The Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1970. Brooks and Burns then created two successful spin-offs from Mary Tyler Moore: Rhoda (a comedy) and Lou Grant (a drama). Brooks left MTM Productions in 1978 to co-create the sitcom Taxi (1978-1983). Brooks moved into feature film work when he wrote and co-produced the 1979 film Starting Over. His next project was the critically acclaimed film Terms of Endearment, which he produced, directed and wrote, winning an Academy …

Movies & TV Shows

1. The Simpsons (1989) — James L. Brooks (voice)
2. Saturday Night Live (1975) — Paul Reynolds (uncredited)
3. Lost in America (1985) — Party Guest (uncredited)
4. Real Life (1979) — Driving Evaluator
5. Modern Romance (1981) — David
6. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970) — Rabbi (uncredited)
7. Misery Loves Comedy (2015) — Self
8. The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling (2018) — Self
9. Being Mary Tyler Moore (2023) — Self (voice)
10. Albert Brooks: Defending My Life (2023) — Self
11. Harry Benson: Shoot First (2016) — Self
12. Hans Zimmer: Hollywood Rebel (2022) — Self
13. The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special - In 3D! On Ice! (2010) — Self
14. Mike Nichols: An American Master (2016) — Self
15. Dreams on Spec (2007) — Self
16. Prisoners of Gravity (1989) — Self
17. Thank You Very Much (2025) — Self
18. Alan Pakula: Going for Truth (2019) — Self
19. Disney Legends Awards Ceremony (2024) — Self
20. The Making of 'Bottle Rocket' (2008) — Self
21. The Simpsons: America's First Family (2000) — Self
22. Paddy Chayefsky: Collector of Words (2025) — Self
23. Hans Zimmer: The Sound of Hollywood (2011) — Self
24. Jack Nicholson: The Joker Is Wild (2004) — Self
25. James L. Brooks: A Singular Voice (2011) — Self (archive footage)
26. The Process
27. Audience Research (1976) — Paul Reynold
28. The Director's Vision: Hollywood's Best Discuss Their Craft (1998) — himself

Directed

1. As Good as It Gets (1997) — Director
2. Spanglish (2004) — Director
3. How Do You Know (2010) — Director
4. Terms of Endearment (1983) — Director
5. Broadcast News (1987) — Director
6. Ella McCay (2025) — Director
7. I'll Do Anything (1994) — Director