He was a gag writer for Bob Hope's radio show in the 1930s. He worked with many stars during his career as director and screenwriter, including Kirk Douglas, Lucille Ball, Jimmy Cagney, Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, and Sophia Loren.
President of the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAw), 1969-1971, 1979-1981, 1985-1987.