James Toback

James Lee Toback (/ˈtuːbæk/), born November 23, 1944, is an notable figure in the American film industry, serving both as a seasoned screenwriter and talented film director. His resume includes an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay in 1991 for his film, Bugsy. Toback's directorial prowess can be seen in films such as The Pick-up Artist, Two Girls and a Guy, and Black and White. Toback’s influence reached audiences beyond American thanks to this work.

Born and raised in Manhattan, New York City, Toback had a richly influential life, growing up in an affluent family and graduating summa cum laude from Harvard University in 1966. Toback's first major film success was while writing the semi-autobiographical The Gambler in 1974. This marked the start of an illustrious career, with his work receiving plaudits for their creativity, originality, and ingenuity. Nonetheless, Toback's career was marred by alleagtions, with 395 women accusing him of sexual harassment or assault over a 40-year period. Despite the allegations, Toback continued to be active in the film industry, showcasing his resilience and focus on his work.