Starting out as a radio writer, Rodney Amateau began his career as a dialogue coach and filmed screen tests for Fox Studios while working as a stunt dbl before directing 2nd Unit's, where he began his film career. He soon turned to directing TV series, which he did for many years before returning to film directing in the 1970s.
During his marriage to Sandra Burns, he was son-in-law of George Burns and Gracie Allen.
The Blake Edwards film Sunset , starring James Garner as Wyatt Earp and Bruce Willis as Tom Mix , was based on Amateaus unpublished book.
