Early Life
Dick Wolf was born in New York City on December 20, 1946. His father, George Wolf, was an advertising executive, and his mother, Marie, was a homemaker. Wolf attended Saint David's School, Phillips Academy, and The Gunnery. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Rise to Success
Wolf began his career in advertising as a copywriter, creating commercials and slogans, including the famous “You can't beat Crest for fighting cavities”. He transitioned to screenwriting, and after moving to Los Angeles, he had three screenplays produced. He started his television career as a staff writer on Hill Street Blues. In 1990, Wolf created the Law & Order franchise, which became one of the most iconic police dramas in television history. The original Law & Order series ran for 20 seasons and has spawned numerous successful spin-offs. Wolf is also the creator and executive producer of the Chicago and FBI franchises.
Key Business Strategies
Wolf's success is attributed to his ability to create compelling crime dramas and to build a strong production company. His approach to storytelling, which often features ripped-from-the-headlines plots and a procedural format, has resonated with audiences for decades. Wolf has a deal with Universal Television and earns fees for executive producing and profit participation on his shows, which has led to significant financial gains. He is known for hiring dedicated and detail-oriented staff, creating a high-quality product.
Philanthropy
Wolf is involved in several philanthropic endeavors. He donated over 200 pieces of art to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and made a sizable monetary gift. He is also a benefactor to the Alliance for Children's Rights and the Princess Grace Foundation. He also supports education and arts initiatives, including the Carsey-Wolf Center for Media at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He also donated $10 million to Mount Desert Island Hospital.
