Age: 74
Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
Howard Deutch (born September 14, 1950) is an American film and television director. He is perhaps best known for his collaboration with filmmaker John Hughes, having directed two of Hughes' well received screenplays, Pretty in Pink and Some Kind of Wonderful. Since 2011, he has primarily directed television productions, including multiple episodes of Getting On and True Blood.
Deutch was born in New York City, New York. His parents are Pamela (née Wolkowitz) and Murray Deutch, a music executive and publisher. His uncle is actor Robert Walden (who is his mother's brother). Deutch was raised in a Jewish family. He graduated from George W. Hewlett High School and then attended The Ohio State University. He began his career in the advertising department of United Artists Records, where his father was company president. Deutch directed music videos for performers such as Billy Idol ("Flesh for Fantasy") and Billy Joel ("Keeping the Faith"). Deutch's feature-length directorial debut was the John Hughes-penned Brat Pack film, Pretty in Pink. His next two directorial efforts were also written by Hughes: Some Kind of Wonderful and The Great Outdoors.
Deutch met his wife, actress Lea Thompson, during the filming of Some Kind of Wonderful; she was also featured in Article 99, his first feature venture without Hughes. They have two daughters, Madelyn and Zoey Deutch, both of whom are actresses.
Deutch has directed three sequels to films in which he did not direct the originals: Grumpier Old Men, The Odd Couple II, and The Whole Ten Yards. During a hiatus from features, Deutch directed episodic television, including two installments of Tales from the Crypt and the pilot episode of Melrose Place.
Deutch directed his wife in four episodes of Caroline in the City, and directed his daughter Zoey in one episode of Ringer.