Virgil W. Vogel embarked on his professional journey at Universal Pictures in 1940, initially taking on the role of an assistant editor. He would go on to spend many years honing his skills in the editing department, but by the mid-1950s, he had begun to feel a growing sense of restlessness and disillusionment with his current position.
As his discontent continued to mount, Vogel made the bold decision to approach Universal executive Edward Muhl with a request to be given the opportunity to direct a film. Muhl, recognizing Vogel's potential, eventually granted him the chance to helm The Mole People, a 1956 production starring John Agar.
Vogel's impressive handling of The Mole People not only earned him critical acclaim but also led to a string of subsequent directing assignments at the studio. In addition to his work in film, Vogel also directed numerous made-for-television movies, as well as episodes of popular television series such as Bonanza, Wagon Train, M Squad, The Six Million Dollar Man, Mission: Impossible, Quantum Leap, Spenser: For Hire, and many others.
