Steven DePaul is a highly accomplished and esteemed American television director and producer, boasting an impressive and extensive career that has spanned numerous decades, with a vast array of credits to his name.
Michael DePaul, a renowned individual, embarked on a remarkable journey, with his life's trajectory shaped by his father, Michael DePaola, a decorated World War II veteran who bravely fought in the scorching deserts of North Africa and the picturesque hills of Italy. This courageous war hero instilled in DePaul a sense of resilience and determination that would later influence his artistic endeavors.
On the other hand, DePaul's mother, Hermione (Billie),a dedicated educator and librarian, played a significant role in nurturing his creative spark. As a school teacher and librarian, she fostered a love for learning and a passion for storytelling, which would ultimately shape DePaul's unique perspective and artistic expression.
The diverse backgrounds and professions of DePaul's parents had a profound impact on his creative journey, serving as a rich tapestry of inspiration and influence that would continue to shape his work throughout his life.
DePaul's academic journey ultimately led him to Clark University, where he pursued a rigorous course of study in the field of English, culminating in his graduation in December 1972.
After completing their collegiate education, DePaul embarked on a 15-year odyssey in the music industry, traversing a vast expanse of professional experiences that would shape their future endeavors. Initially, they took on the role of a roadie for a plethora of renowned bands, including the iconic country-rock ensemble Poco, the esteemed duo Souther, Hillman Furay, the incomparable singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, the influential rock group The Eagles, the legendary jam band The Grateful Dead, the celebrated singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg, the harmony-rich trio Crosby, Stills and Nash, the symphonic rock outfit Boston, the new wave pioneers The Cars, and the British rock stalwarts The Faces.
During the late 1990s, DePaul embarked upon a significant career shift, transitioning from the world of music to the realm of television, where he collaborated with esteemed producer Steven Bochco on a variety of projects, including the groundbreaking series Cop Rock, the critically acclaimed drama Civil Wars, and the iconic NYPD Blue.
This 11-year tenure on NYPD Blue was a period of immense professional success for DePaul, marked by widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a prestigious Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 1995 and a coveted Golden Globe Award for Best Television Drama in 1993.
Notably, in the year 2004, DePaul made the pivotal decision to transition out of his role as a director on the renowned television series NYPD Blue, opting instead to embark on a freelance directing career, a trajectory he has continued to pursue up to the present day. Throughout the course of his illustrious career, DePaul has had the opportunity to direct numerous episodes of various television shows, thereby solidifying his reputation as a highly skilled and versatile director, capable of effortlessly navigating a wide range of creative endeavors.
