Early Life and Education
Richard Anthony Wolf was born in New York City on December 20, 1946. He attended Saint David's School, The Gunnery, and Phillips Academy, Andover. Wolf then went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was also a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity.
Rise to Success
Wolf started his career in advertising, writing jingles and commercials. He transitioned to screenwriting, with three of his screenplays being produced. He began his television career as a staff writer on Hill Street Blues. His breakthrough came with the creation of the Law & Order franchise in 1990, which became a cornerstone of his success. His production company, Wolf Entertainment, has created several successful franchises, including the Chicago and FBI series.
Key Business Strategies
Wolf's success is built on long-running network shows, producing per-episode fees, ownership points, and back-end payouts. He has secured lucrative deals with networks, including exclusive streaming rights for his series on platforms like Peacock. He has also shown a knack for hiring top talent and building a strong team, which contributes to his shows' quality and longevity.
Philanthropy
Dick Wolf is committed to giving back through philanthropic activities. He founded The Dick Wolf Foundation, which focuses on helping children from low-income families access educational opportunities. Wolf has also donated to organizations like the United Way, Feeding America, and Mount Desert Island Hospital.
