Richard Anthony "Dick" Wolf is an accomplished American producer and writer, best known for his work in crime dramas. He has received numerous awards, including an Emmy and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Wolf was born in New York City in 1946 and attended prep school, which later served as the foundation for his "School Ties" screenplay. He then went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania, where he began a successful career in advertising. Wolf wrote and produced over 100 television commercials and created slogans such as "You can't beat Crest for fighting cavities" and "I'm Cheryl, fly me" for National Airlines.
In the late 1970s, Wolf transitioned to film, writing and producing his first film "Skateboard" in 1978 and his second film "Gas" in 1981. He began his television career as a staff writer on "Hill Street Blues" and was nominated for an Emmy for an episode entitled "What Are Friends For?" He then moved on to "Miami Vice" as a supervising producer. Wolf's most notable work, "Law & Order," ran from 1990 to 2010 and tied "Gunsmoke" for the longest-running dramatic show in television history. The show was nominated for the most consecutive Emmy Awards of any primetime drama series. Wolf also served as the creator and executive producer for "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Law & Order: UK," as well as for the three shows that have been cancelled: "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Law & Order: Trial by Jury," and "Law & Order: Los Angeles." He has also produced several documentaries and reality series, including "Crime & Punishment" and "Twin Towers," which won the 2003 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject.
Wolf has received numerous personal honors, including the Award of Excellence from the Banff Television Festival, the 2002 Creative Achievement Award from NATPE, and the Anti-Defamation League’s Distinguished Entertainment Industry Award. He is also an Honorary Consul general of Monaco and is actively involved in the principality’s prestigious annual Television Festival. In 2007, Wolf received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is also known for being a classmate of former US President George W. Bush and an employer of Fred Thompson, who sought the Republican nomination for President in 2008. Wolf is also the author of thriller novels and has introduced his Jeremy Fisk character in 2012.
In addition to his successful career in television and film, Wolf has also been a contributor to the world of literature. His literary debut, "The Intercept," is the first in a series featuring NYPD detective Jeremy Fisk. He currently lives in Southern California.