Paul Edward Haggis (born March 10, 1953) is a
Canadian-
American screenwriter,
producer and
film director. He spent his early career producing and directing various American and Canadian television network series.
Early life and education
Paul Haggis was born on March 10, 1953, in
London, Ontario, Canada,
the son of Mary Yvonne (née Metcalf) and Edward H. Haggis.
The Gallery Theatre in London, Ontario was owned by his parents, and Haggis gained experience in the field through work at the theatre.
He attended St. Thomas More Elementary School,
and after being inspired by
Alfred Hitchcock and
Jean-Luc Godard, proceeded to study art at
H. B. Beal Secondary School.
After viewing
Michelangelo Antonioni's 1966 film
Blowup, he traveled to
England with the intent of becoming a
fashion photographer.
Haggis later went back to
Canada, in order to pursue studies in
cinematography at
Fanshawe College.
In 1975, Haggis moved to
Los Angeles,
California to begin a career in writing in the entertainment industry.
Career
Haggis began to work as a writer for television programs, including
The Love Boat,
One Day at a Time,
Diff'rent Strokes, and
The Facts of Life.
With
The Facts of Life, Haggis also gained his first credit as producer.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Haggis wrote for television series including
The Tracey Ullman Show,
Due South,
L.A. Law, and
EZ Streets.
He helped to create the television series
Walker, Texas Ranger and
Family Law.
Haggis served as
executive producer on series including
Michael Hayes and
Family Law.
