Peter Bogdanovich was born in Kingston, New York, to immigrant parents from Europe. His father, Borislav Bogdanovich, was a Serbian Orthodox Christian and a painter, while his mother, Herma (Robinson) Bogdanovich, was from a wealthy Austrian Jewish family. Peter was an actor in the 1950s, studying with Stella Adler and appearing on television and in summer stock. He later became a film programmer at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, showcasing the work of American directors such as John Ford and Howard Hawks.
Bogdanovich was influenced by the French critics of the 1950s, including François Truffaut, and began writing articles for Esquire Magazine. In 1968, he became a director, working for low-budget producer Roger Corman and making his debut with the critically acclaimed Targets. He also directed Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women, a film that is often forgotten.
Bogdanovich's big break came with The Last Picture Show, a drama about a small Texas town in the 1950s. The film received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Director, and won two Oscars. He followed this up with What's Up, Doc?, a screwball comedy starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal.
Bogdanovich's next film was Paper Moon, a Depression-era comedy starring Ryan O'Neal and his daughter Tatum O'Neal, who won an Oscar for her performance. The film was a critical and commercial success, but Bogdanovich's subsequent films, including Daisy Miller and At Long Last Love, were not as well received.
Bogdanovich's career declined in the 1980s, and he was criticized for his decision to film the musical numbers in At Long Last Love live, rather than using lip-syncing. He also faced personal problems, including a highly publicized affair with Cybill Shepherd, who was a model and actress.
In the 1990s, Bogdanovich's career continued to decline, and he was forced to file for bankruptcy. He has since made a few films, including Mask and Texasville, but they have not been as successful as his earlier work. He has also acted in a few films and television shows, including The Sopranos.
Bogdanovich's personal life has been marked by controversy, including his marriage to Louise Stratten, who was 29 years his junior. The marriage ended in divorce in 2001. Despite his struggles, Bogdanovich remains a respected figure in the film industry, and his early work continues to be celebrated by critics and audiences alike.
