John Williams Byrum, a renowned filmmaker, was born and raised in the affluent community of Winnetka, Illinois. His early years were marked by a strong interest in the film industry, which would eventually lead him to pursue a career in writing and directing.
Byrum's journey in the film industry began when he worked as an intern for the legendary Jim Henson and the Muppets while attending the New York University Film School. This experience led to him working as a writer on the iconic children's show Sesame Street, which premiered in 1969.
After completing his studies, Byrum moved to Los Angeles to further his career in the film industry. He wrote several screenplays, including the 1975 film Inserts, which caught the attention of producers Tony Bill, Don Devlin, and Harry Gittes. This led to him working on the script for Harry and Walter Go to New York, which was bought by Columbia Pictures for a record-breaking amount.
Byrum's success in writing scripts continued with his work on the 1975 film Mahogany, starring the legendary Diana Ross. He then directed his own film Inserts, which starred Richard Dreyfuss and Jessica Harper.
In the early 1980s, Byrum wrote and directed the film Heart Beat, which was based on the lives of Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassady, and Carolyn Cassady. The film starred Nick Nolte, Sissy Spacek, and John Heard.
Byrum's next project was the 1984 film The Razor's Edge, which he co-wrote with Bill Murray and starred Murray, Catherine Hicks, Theresa Russell, James Keach, and Denholm Elliott. Although the film was not a commercial success, Byrum continued to work in the film industry, directing the 1986 comedy The Whoopee Boys, which starred Michael O'Keefe and Paul Rodriguez.
In the 1990s, Byrum turned his attention to television, creating, writing, and producing the critically acclaimed series Middle Ages, which starred Peter Riegert. He also wrote, directed, and produced the TV film/pilot Murder in High Places, which was loosely based on a fictional Hunter Thompson-type character.
Byrum's other notable television series include Winnetka Road and South of Sunset, which starred rock legend Glenn Frey of the Eagles. He also wrote the original screenplay Duets, which was due to star Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow, but was temporarily put on hold due to the couple's broken engagement. The film was eventually made with Gwyneth Paltrow, directed by her father Bruce Paltrow, and starring Scott Speedman in the role originally intended for Brad Pitt.
Today, John Byrum resides in Connecticut with his wife and dogs, and has two children.
