Born in Tokyo, Japan, 30 May 1920. Graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., 1942; studied law at Columbia University, New York, New York. Married Helen Jean Gilchrist, 1948; children: Jenny and Kate. Served in U.S. Navy, 194246. Began television career as assistant director, March of Times documentary series, 194748; television director, CBS, including such programs as Studio One, Ford Theater and Playhouse 90, 194962; formed Unit Four production company with Worthington Miner, George Roy Hill, and Fielder Cook, 1955; directed Advise and Consent on Broadway, 1960; signed threepicture deal for 20th Century Fox and directed first feature in 1961; TV counselor to President Kennedy, 196163; president, Gilchrist Productions, 196268; president, Franklin Schaffner Productions, 196989. Member: Directors Guild of America, president 198789; National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences; Phi Beta Kappa; board member: Center Theater Group of the Music Center, Los Angeles; Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, National Council of the Arts, Presidential Task Force on the Arts and Humanities; chairman, executive committee, American Film Institute. Recipient: Sylvania Award, 1953, 1954; Emmy Awards, 1954, 1955, 1962; Best Direction Award, Variety Critics Poll, 1960; Trustee Award shared with Jacqueline Kennedy for documentary Tour of the White House, American Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, 1962; Oscar for Best Director, 1970; Directors Guild Award, 1970. Died in Santa Monica, California, 2 July 1989.

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