Ed Solomon

Born: 1961
Where: Saratoga Springs, California, USA

The former playwright and stand-up comedian made his directorial debut with the low-key drama Levity with Billy Bob Thornton.

While studying economics at the University College of Los Angeles he became a staff writer on the US sitcom Laverne & Shirley.

He went on to work on It's Garry Shandling's Show before penning the feature Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and the follow-up Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey.

Subsequent writing credits include Super Mario Bros, Men in Black and Charlie's Angels.

In 1995 he married Cynthia Cleese, daughter of Monty Python star John and his former wife Connie Booth.

He made his directorial debut with the TV show Arresting Behaviour in 1992 and followed it up with The Unbelievables, which he also produced.

Levity featured Thornton as a convicted killer released from jail after 23 years who seeks redemption from the sister of his teenage victim.