**Full Name:** Steven Allan Spielberg
**Date of Birth:** December 18, 1946
**Place of Birth:** Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
**Occupation:** Filmmaker, Director, Producer, Screenwriter
**Years Active:** 1969–present
**Early Life:**
Steven Spielberg was born to Leah Adler, a concert pianist and restaurateur, and Arnold Spielberg, an electrical engineer. He has one sister, Nancy, and two brothers, Joel and Anne. Spielberg’s passion for filmmaking began in childhood, when he made short films with his father’s 8mm camera. At age 12, he created a 40-minute war film titled *Fighter Squad*, which he screened for family and friends.
**Education:**
Spielberg attended California State University, Long Beach, but left before graduating to pursue a career in filmmaking. His early work included directing television episodes for shows like *Night Gallery* (1969) and *Columbo* (1971).
**Career Beginnings:**
In 1971, Spielberg directed his first feature film, *Duel*, a suspense thriller about a truck driver stalking a motorist. The film was well-received and showcased Spielberg’s talent for building tension and excitement.
**Breakthrough Success:**
His breakthrough came with the release of *Jaws* (1975), which became the first-ever summer blockbuster and a massive box office success. Spielberg’s innovative use of suspense, combined with a memorable score by John Williams, established him as a leading director in Hollywood.
**Iconic Films:**
Over the years, Spielberg directed numerous iconic films, including:
– *Close Encounters of the Third Kind* (1977)
– *Raiders of the Lost Ark* (1981)
– *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* (1982)
– *Jurassic Park* (1993)
– *Schindler’s List* (1993)
– *Saving Private Ryan* (1998)
These films span various genres, from science fiction to historical dramas, showcasing his versatility and storytelling prowess.
**Collaborations and Achievements:**
Spielberg frequently collaborated with composer John Williams, resulting in some of cinema’s most recognizable scores. He co-founded Amblin Entertainment and later DreamWorks SKG, which produced numerous successful films and television shows.
Throughout his career, Spielberg received numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards for Best Director (*Schindler’s List*, 1994; *Saving Private Ryan*, 1999), and numerous Golden Globe Awards.
**Philanthropy:**
In addition to his filmmaking career, Spielberg is known for his philanthropic efforts. He established the USC Shoah Foundation in 1994 to record and preserve testimonies of Holocaust survivors and other witnesses of genocides. He is also involved in various charitable organizations supporting education, arts, and children in need.
Spielberg married actress Amy Irving in 1985, but they divorced in 1989. He later married Kate Capshaw, whom he met while filming *Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom* (1984). The couple has seven children, including adopted daughter Mikaela and biological children Max, Sasha, and Destry.
**Recent Work
In recent years, Spielberg has continued to direct and produce acclaimed films, including *Bridge of Spies* (2015), *The Post* (2017), and a remake of *West Side Story* (2021). He has also ventured into television, producing successful series such as *Band of Brothers* (2001) and *The Pacific* (2010).
**Legacy
Steven Spielberg is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in cinematic history. His ability to blend entertainment with profound themes has left an indelible mark on the film industry and popular culture. His work continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.