John Whitesell Biography (2)

John Whitesell is a filmmaker able to seamlessly meld high concepts with true and endearing characters. Most recently, Whitesell directed See Spot Run, a family comedy starring David Arquette. Essentially, he made the film for his son who was six years old at the time, with the intention of creating a piece of entertainment that would appeal to both kids and their parents. He made his feature film debut with the coming-of-age drama, Calendar Girl, about three best friends on their last adventure together before parting ways into adulthood.

Whitesell, one of television's most consistent and respected directors of comedy, has a stellar list of credits, including the hit sitcoms: Damon Wayans, Cosby, Roseanne, A Different World, Coach, and three seasons of The John Laroquette Show. Other television credits include Law & Order, of which he directed the first episode to air, Action, Jack & Jill, and Providence.

Born and raised in Iowa, Whitesell attended Simpson College and studied at Circle in the Square Theatre in New York. He directed The Glass Menagerie at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and founded The Writer's Theatre in New York, where he continued to direct and develop plays.

Whitesell went on to direct and executive produce daytime dramas for both NBC and CBS. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for directing The Guiding Light and holds the distinction for, at 31, being the youngest executive producer in daytime history.

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