Actor
James L. Brooks
- Born: 9 May 1939, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Estimated net worth: $400 million
James L. Brooks is an acclaimed American director, producer, and screenwriter known for his work in television and film. He is most recognized for creating and producing 'The Simpsons,' as well as directing films like 'Terms of Endearment' and 'As Good as It…
James L. Brooks: best films and shows
About James L. Brooks
James L. Brooks is an acclaimed American director, producer, and screenwriter known for his work in television and film. He is most recognized for creating and producing 'The Simpsons,' as well as directing films like 'Terms of Endearment' and 'As Good as It Gets.' His career is marked by a blend of humor and emotional depth, often showcasing strong character development.
- Born
- 9 May 1939, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Height
- 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
- Spouses
- Gail Parent (1963-1970)
- Children
- 2 children: Amy Brooks, Josh Brooks
- Parents
- Harry Brooks, Doris Brooks
- Estimated net worth
- $400 million
Fun facts about James L. Brooks
- James L. Brooks was a key figure in the creation of 'The Simpsons,' which began as a series of animated shorts on 'The Tracey Ullman Show.'
- Before his success in film and television, Brooks worked as a writer for several game shows, including 'The Jackie Gleason Show.'
Famous James L. Brooks quotes
“You can't be afraid of what people will say. You can't be afraid of what they're going to think.”
“I think the best way to prepare for a great role is to be a great actor.”
“It's not a matter of life and death; it's much more important than that.”
James L. Brooks filmography
Cast (29)
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Paddy Chayefsky: Collector of Words Movie | Self | 7.0 |
| 2025 | Thank You Very Much Movie | Self | 7.8 |
| 2024 | Disney Legends Award Ceremony TV | Self - Honoree | 1.0 |
| 2023 | Albert Brooks: Defending My Life Movie | Self | 7.2 |
| 2023 | Being Mary Tyler Moore Movie | Self (voice) | 6.7 |
| 2022 | Hans Zimmer: Hollywood Rebel Movie | Self | 7.2 |
| 2019 | Alan Pakula: Going for Truth Movie | Self | 6.5 |
| 2018 | The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling TV | Self | 7.2 |
| 2016 | Harry Benson: Shoot First Movie | Self | 6.6 |
| 2016 | Mike Nichols: An American Master Movie | Self | 6.3 |
Show 19 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Misery Loves Comedy Movie | Self | 6.1 |
| 2011 | Hans Zimmer: The Sound of Hollywood Movie | Self | 3.5 |
| 2011 | James L. Brooks: A Singular Voice Movie | Self (archive footage) | |
| 2010 | The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special - In 3D! On Ice! Movie | Self | 6.9 |
| 2008 | The Making of 'Bottle Rocket' Movie | Self | 5.0 |
| 2007 | Dreams on Spec Movie | Self | 5.5 |
| 2004 | Jack Nicholson: The Joker Is Wild Movie | Self | 2.0 |
| 2000 | The Simpsons: America's First Family Movie | Self | 10.0 |
| 1998 | The Director's Vision: Hollywood's Best Discuss Their Craft Movie | himself | |
| 1989 | The Simpsons TV | James L. Brooks (voice) | 8.0 |
| 1989 | Prisoners of Gravity TV | Self | 5.9 |
| 1985 | Lost in America Movie | Party Guest (uncredited) | 6.9 |
| 1981 | Modern Romance Movie | David | 6.8 |
| 1979 | Real Life Movie | Driving Evaluator | 6.6 |
| 1978 | Taxi TV | Boxing Fan (uncredited) | 7.3 |
| 1976 | Audience Research Movie | Paul Reynold | |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live TV | Paul Reynolds (uncredited) | 6.9 |
| 1970 | The Mary Tyler Moore Show TV | Rabbi (uncredited) | 7.7 |
| TBA | The Process Movie | Unknown character |
Crew (95)
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | The New Simpsons Movie Movie | Producer · Production | |
| 2026 | Yellow Mirror Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 8.1 |
| 2026 | Simpsley Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 8.1 |
| 2026 | Extreme Makeover: Homer Edition Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 7.4 |
| 2025 | Ella McCay Movie | Director · Directing | 5.5 |
Show 90 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Ella McCay Movie | Writer · Writing | 5.5 |
| 2025 | Ella McCay Movie | Producer · Production | 5.5 |
| 2024 | The Simpsons: O C'mon All Ye Faithful Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 7.0 |
| 2024 | The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Movie | Producer · Production | 5.3 |
| 2024 | May the 12th Be with You Movie | Producer · Production | 5.1 |
| 2023 | Maggie Simpson in "Rogue Not Quite One" Movie | Producer · Production | 5.7 |
| 2023 | Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Movie | Producer · Production | 7.1 |
| 2022 | Welcome to the Club Movie | Producer · Production | 6.2 |
| 2022 | When Billie Met Lisa Movie | Producer · Production | 5.2 |
| 2021 | The Simpsons in Plusaversary Movie | Producer · Production | 6.4 |
| 2021 | The Simpsons | Balenciaga Movie | Producer · Production | 5.5 |
| 2021 | The Good, the Bart, and the Loki Movie | Producer · Production | 7.2 |
| 2021 | Maggie Simpson in "The Force Awakens from Its Nap" Movie | Producer · Production | 6.6 |
| 2020 | Maggie Simpson in "Playdate with Destiny" Movie | Producer · Production | 7.4 |
| 2020 | Maggie Simpson in "Playdate with Destiny" Movie | Writer · Writing | 7.4 |
| 2018 | Icebox Movie | Producer · Production | 7.1 |
| 2016 | The Edge of Seventeen Movie | Producer · Production | 7.1 |
| 2014 | Ride Movie | Thanks · Crew | 5.7 |
| 2012 | Maggie Simpson in "The Longest Daycare" Movie | Writer · Writing | 7.0 |
| 2012 | Maggie Simpson in "The Longest Daycare" Movie | Producer · Production | 7.0 |
| 2011 | 50/50 Movie | Thanks · Crew | 7.2 |
| 2010 | How Do You Know Movie | Director · Directing | 5.3 |
| 2010 | How Do You Know Movie | Producer · Production | 5.3 |
| 2010 | How Do You Know Movie | Writer · Writing | 5.3 |
| 2007 | The Simpsons Movie Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.0 |
| 2007 | The Simpsons Movie Movie | Producer · Production | 7.0 |
| 2004 | Spanglish Movie | Director · Directing | 6.1 |
| 2004 | Spanglish Movie | Producer · Production | 6.1 |
| 2004 | Spanglish Movie | Writer · Writing | 6.1 |
| 2003 | The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Movie | Writer · Writing | 6.8 |
| 2001 | Riding in Cars with Boys Movie | Producer · Production | 6.8 |
| 2001 | What About Joan? TV | Producer · Production | 6.1 |
| 1999 | The Simpsons: Too Hot For TV Movie | Scenario Writer · Writing | 7.1 |
| 1997 | As Good as It Gets Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.4 |
| 1997 | As Good as It Gets Movie | Director · Directing | 7.4 |
| 1997 | As Good as It Gets Movie | Producer · Production | 7.4 |
| 1996 | Jerry Maguire Movie | Producer · Production | 7.0 |
| 1996 | Bottle Rocket Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.7 |
| 1994 | I'll Do Anything Movie | Producer · Production | 5.6 |
| 1994 | I'll Do Anything Movie | Writer · Writing | 5.6 |
| 1994 | I'll Do Anything Movie | Director · Directing | 5.6 |
| 1994 | The Critic TV | Producer · Production | 7.3 |
| 1993 | Phenom TV | Producer · Production | 5.3 |
| 1991 | Sibs TV | Producer · Production | 8.0 |
| 1991 | My Own Private Idaho Movie | Thanks · Crew | 7.0 |
| 1990 | The Best of the Tracey Ullman Show Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 10.0 |
| 1989 | The Simpsons TV | Executive Producer · Production | 8.0 |
| 1989 | The Simpsons TV | Writer · Writing | 8.0 |
| 1989 | The War of the Roses Movie | Producer · Production | 6.9 |
| 1989 | The Simpsons: Family Therapy Movie | Producer · Production | |
| 1989 | Say Anything... Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 7.0 |
| 1988 | Big Movie | Producer · Production | 7.2 |
| 1987 | Broadcast News Movie | Producer · Production | 6.8 |
| 1987 | Broadcast News Movie | Director · Directing | 6.8 |
| 1987 | Broadcast News Movie | Writer · Writing | 6.8 |
| 1987 | The Simpsons: Tracey Ullman Shorts TV | Executive Producer · Production | 8.0 |
| 1987 | The Tracey Ullman Show TV | Writer · Writing | 7.0 |
| 1987 | The Tracey Ullman Show TV | Creator · Creator | 7.0 |
| 1987 | The Tracey Ullman Show TV | Executive Producer · Production | 7.0 |
| 1986 | Jumpin' Jack Flash Movie | Thanks · Crew | 6.1 |
| 1983 | Terms of Endearment Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.1 |
| 1983 | Terms of Endearment Movie | Producer · Production | 7.1 |
| 1983 | Terms of Endearment Movie | Director · Directing | 7.1 |
| 1980 | Carlton Your Doorman Movie | Characters · Writing | 8.2 |
| 1979 | Starting Over Movie | Producer · Production | 6.4 |
| 1979 | Starting Over Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 6.4 |
| 1979 | The Associates TV | Creator · Creator | 7.5 |
| 1979 | The Associates TV | Producer · Production | 7.5 |
| 1978 | Taxi TV | Creator · Creator | 7.3 |
| 1978 | Taxi TV | Writer · Writing | 7.3 |
| 1978 | Taxi TV | Executive Producer · Production | 7.3 |
| 1978 | Cindy Movie | Writer · Writing | 7.0 |
| 1978 | Cindy Movie | Producer · Production | 7.0 |
| 1977 | Lou Grant TV | Creator · Creator | 7.4 |
| 1977 | Lou Grant TV | Executive Producer · Production | 7.4 |
| 1974 | Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers TV | Creator · Creator | 6.0 |
| 1974 | Rhoda TV | Producer · Production | 6.3 |
| 1974 | Rhoda TV | Creator · Creator | 6.3 |
| 1974 | Rhoda TV | Writer · Writing | 6.3 |
| 1974 | Thursday's Game Movie | Writer · Writing | 6.5 |
| 1974 | Thursday's Game Movie | Producer · Production | 6.5 |
| 1970 | The Mary Tyler Moore Show TV | Executive Producer · Production | 7.7 |
| 1970 | The Mary Tyler Moore Show TV | Writer · Writing | 7.7 |
| 1970 | The Mary Tyler Moore Show TV | Creator · Creator | 7.7 |
| 1969 | Room 222 TV | Creator · Creator | 6.1 |
| 1968 | The Doris Day Show TV | Writer · Writing | 6.2 |
| 1967 | Accidental Family TV | Writer · Writing | 6.5 |
| 1966 | That Girl TV | Writer · Writing | 6.2 |
| 1965 | My Mother the Car TV | Writer · Writing | 4.8 |
| 1960 | The Andy Griffith Show TV | Writer · Writing | 7.6 |
Latest releases
- Paddy Chayefsky: Collector of Words2025 / TMDB 7.0
- Thank You Very Much2025 / TMDB 7.8
- Albert Brooks: Defending My Life2023 / TMDB 7.2
- Being Mary Tyler Moore2023 / TMDB 6.7
- Hans Zimmer: Hollywood Rebel2022 / TMDB 7.2
- Alan Pakula: Going for Truth2019 / TMDB 6.5
James L. Brooks in the news
Questions about James L. Brooks
What are some highlights of James L. Brooks' career?
James L. Brooks has had a prolific career, highlighted by his work on 'The Simpsons' and films like 'Terms of Endearment,' which won multiple Academy Awards. His ability to blend comedy with emotional storytelling is a hallmark of his success.
Has James L. Brooks won any awards?
Yes, James L. Brooks has won numerous awards, including three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay for 'Terms of Endearment,' as well as multiple Emmy Awards for his television work.
What was James L. Brooks' first film?
James L. Brooks' first feature film as a director was 'The Last Picture Show' in 1971, which received critical acclaim and established him as a talented filmmaker.
What are some of James L. Brooks' most successful films?
Some of James L. Brooks' most successful films include 'Terms of Endearment,' 'As Good as It Gets,' and 'Broadcast News.' These films have garnered both commercial success and critical acclaim.
What is James L. Brooks' personal life like?
James L. Brooks has two children and has been married once. He tends to keep his personal life private, focusing on his work in the entertainment industry.
What is James L. Brooks' estimated net worth?
James L. Brooks has an estimated net worth of $400 million, attributed to his extensive career in film and television as a director, producer, and writer.
What are some milestones in James L. Brooks' filmography?
Key milestones in James L. Brooks' filmography include his creation of 'The Simpsons' in 1989, directing 'Terms of Endearment' in 1983, and producing several hit television shows, showcasing his versatility in the industry.
How did James L. Brooks contribute to television?
James L. Brooks significantly contributed to television by creating iconic shows such as 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'The Simpsons,' influencing the sitcom genre with his unique storytelling style and character-driven narratives.