Michael Uppendahl is a highly acclaimed and accomplished American television and film director, recognized for his remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment through his extensive and impressive body of work.
Notably, his extensive portfolio is comprised of a diverse array of esteemed projects, each showcasing his exceptional skill and mastery of the medium.
Among his most notable and impressive credits is his work on the AMC period drama Mad Men, a critically acclaimed series that garnered widespread recognition and acclaim for its meticulous attention to detail, nuanced character development, and historical accuracy.
Furthermore, his expertise and versatility as a director have also been showcased through his work on FX's horror anthology series American Horror Story, a program that has consistently pushed the boundaries of the horror genre and has been praised for its originality, creativity, and ability to craft suspenseful and unsettling storylines.
In addition to his work on Mad Men and American Horror Story, Uppendahl has also made significant contributions to the Marvel universe, directing episodes of the critically acclaimed series Legion, a show that has been praised for its unique blend of psychological drama, action, and superhero elements.
Lastly, his work on the Fox musical/dramedy Glee, a program that was praised for its innovative blend of music, comedy, and drama, further demonstrates his ability to adapt to different genres and tone, and his capacity to bring a unique perspective to a wide range of projects.
Uppendahl's television career embarked upon a notable trajectory, commencing with the direction of four episodes of the CBS sitcom Becker, spanning the years 2003 to 2004.
He also demonstrated his multifaceted creative prowess by penning, directing, and producing the 2009 short film A Hundred & Forty-Six Questions, featuring the talented actress Jamie Anne Allman in a starring role.
Beginning in the year 2008, Uppendahl has successfully helmed the reins of direction for a total of seven hours of the highly acclaimed AMC drama series, Mad Men, garnering widespread critical acclaim in the process.
In the years 2011 and 2012, Uppendahl expanded his professional horizons by joining the production teams of not one, but two notable television programs.
Firstly, he lent his directing expertise to the popular Fox series, Glee, overseeing the direction of two episodes of the show.
Secondly, Uppendahl also brought his skills to the FX series, American Horror Story, where he directed a total of three episodes, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished director.
In the year 2013, a significant milestone was reached in the career of Uppendahl as he made his highly anticipated feature film directorial debut with a drama that would captivate audiences worldwide, initially titled Quad but later rebranded as Grounded.
This powerful and emotional drama tells the story of a salesman who, due to unforeseen circumstances, is left with a life-altering condition, quadriplegia.
The film, a collaborative effort between a talented team of writers, including Michael Burke, Mike Young, Robin Veith, and Brett Johnson, boasts an impressive cast of accomplished actors, including the versatile Jeff Daniels, the talented Lena Olin, the charismatic Aaron Paul, and the veteran Tom Berenger.
Together, these individuals bring to life a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, inviting viewers to embark on a poignant journey that explores the complexities of the human experience.
David Uppendahl, a highly accomplished television director and producer, currently holds the esteemed position of co-executive producer and director on the critically acclaimed series Marvel's Legion, which can be seen on the esteemed FX network.
