James L. Brooks
The man is behind two of the ’80s most memorable dramedies, the tearjerker “Terms of Endearment” and more relevant media critique “Broadcast News.
But he has been keeping a low profile since Reese Witherspoon romcom “How Do You Know” flopped in 2010, leaving critics to wonder whether Brooks might have lost his touch.
At 81, the three-time Oscar winner has earned the right to retire.
But the “Simpsons” exec producer seems to be more comfortable shepherding others’ work. He was instrumental in launching Wes Anderson’s and Cameron Crowe’s careers, and has been mentoring Kelly Freemon Craig recently (she has Judy Blume adaptation “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” upcoming this year).
Brooks understood how to balance comedy and honest human emotion, making grown-up movies that are lacking from the marketplace today.