Paul Morrissey was born in 1938 in New York City, where he later studied literature at Fordham University. Following a stint in the Army and various jobs, including insurance and social work, Morrissey began directing short independent films in the early 1960s.
It was in 1965 that Morrissey was introduced to Andy Warhol, who asked him to contribute ideas and bring new direction to the film experiments he had been presenting. Morrissey not only directed these films but also signed a management contract with Warhol, putting him in charge of all operations at the Warhol studio, with the exception of the sales of artwork.
Morrissey's idea to use Warhol's celebrity name to promote a rock and roll group led to the discovery of the Velvet Underground, the addition of Nico to the band, and the signing of all members to a management contract. While administering the early years of the group, Morrissey continued to contribute to Warhol's film experiments, directing and distributing films such as My Hustler, Chelsea Girls, Imitation of Christ, and Bike Boy.
After Lonesome Cowboys, which Morrissey wrote, produced, and directed, he assumed total control of all subsequent films presented by Warhol, including art house/cult classics like Flesh, Trash, and Heat, as well as more mainstream successes like Flesh for Frankenstein and Blood for Dracula.
In 1975, Morrissey parted ways with Warhol, who chose to focus on his painting and business activities. Morrissey continued to finance his own films, working independently and consistently with young unknown actors, writing, and directing with no outside interference. However, once financing from independent sources was no longer available, Morrissey stopped making films, preferring to maintain his creative control and independence.
