Michael Lembeck

Michael Lembeck's father, the noted actor of "Stalag 17," Harvey Lembeck, who introduced his son to show business at an early age. He attended Beverly Hill High School, where his classmates included Rob Reiner, Albert Brooks, and Richard Dreyfuss. Lembeck studied drama at Los Angeles City College and Cal State before touring with the original National company of the Broadway musical "Grease." It was in 1969 that he received his first television role, on the comedy "Gidget Grows Up." Lembeck would continue to make television appearances into the '90s, along the way accruing credits on the classic dramas "The Love Boat," "Fantasy Island," and the sitcom "Mad About You." However, he is most recognizable for his role as Max Horvath on the sitcom "One Day at a Time." In 1989, Lembeck tried his hand at directing with the comedy "Coming of Age," and soon built a notable reputation directing a number of television shows including the long running comedy "Coach," the Kirstie Alley comedy "Veronica's Closet," and the hit sitcom "Friends" for which he won an Emmy in 1996. Lembeck has also dabbled in film, directing a number of family-friendly films like the Christmas comedies "The Santa Clause 2," "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause" and the Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson vehicle "Tooth Fairy."