Steven Spielberg

The Oscar-winning director developed a passion for filmmaking at a young age, creating short films with his father’s 8mm camera. By 12, he made his first home movie, and at 16, he wrote and directed his first independent film, Firelight.

In 1975, Spielberg directed Jaws, which became the first major summer blockbuster and set new standards for suspense and box office success. He followed with Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), a science fiction film that received critical acclaim. In 1981, Spielberg directed Raiders of the Lost Ark, introducing audiences to the iconic character Indiana Jones.

Spielberg has also directed films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Schindler’s List (1993), a poignant depiction of the Holocaust that earned him two Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture. Spielberg also directed Saving Private Ryan (1998), a World War II epic renowned for its realistic battle scenes, earning him another Academy Award for Best Director.

Beyond directing, Spielberg cofounded Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks Pictures, producing numerous successful films and television series.

Spielberg married actress Amy Irving in 1985; they divorced in 1989 and have one son together, Max. In 1991, he married actress Kate Capshaw, whom he met during the casting of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Together, they have seven children, including stepdaughter Jessica Capshaw, known for her role on Grey’s Anatomy.