Attended The Happy Valley School, now named Besant Hill School, in Ojai, CA, which his maternal grandfather Louis Zalk helped establish.
Began his career as an entertainment lawyer. One of his first clients was George Lucas starting with THX-1138. He helped Lucas in the negotiations of Star Wars merchandising and sequel rights.
Was named Executive Vice President of MCA Inc. and chairman of Universal Pictures in 1986, where he oversaw the release of box office successes including Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, Field of Dreams and the Back to the Future trilogy.
After leaving Universal he become chairman of the American Film Institute. Hecame a member of AFI's Board of Trustees, became Chairman of the Board in 1996; and during his tenure, AFI debuted its 100 Years...100 Movies television and AFI Awards.
Founded the Montecito Picture Co.
Was Adjunct Professor of Film at the University of California Santa Barbara.
Was a trustee of the Los Angeles Music Center.
Graduated with a B.A. with distinction from Stanford University in 1964. He went on to the Columbia University School of Law, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone scholar, served as Editor of the Law Review and received a J.D. in 1967.