Bernard Kowalski is a prominent figure in the television industry, boasting a lengthy and distinguished list of credits. Notably, he directed the pilots for the television series Richard Diamond, Private Detective in 1956, N.Y.P.D. in 1967, and The Monroes in 1966. Furthermore, he served as an executive producer on the popular television show Baretta in 1975, and was also a co-owner of the iconic series Mission: Impossible in 1966.
Kowalski's journey in the film industry began at the tender age of five, when he worked as an extra in several Dead End Kids pictures at Warner Brothers, as well as in notable films such as Dodge City (1939) and Virginia City (1940),starring the legendary Errol Flynn.
As he matured, Kowalski's experience behind the camera commenced at the age of 17, when he worked as a clerk for his father, who was an assistant director and production manager. This early exposure laid the groundwork for Kowalski's future success.
Television provided Kowalski with his first opportunity to direct, with credits on Western series such as Frontier in 1955 and Boots and Saddles in 1956. He then transitioned to feature-film directing in 1958, when he was hired by Gene Corman to helm the teen exploitation feature Hot Car Girl.