Producer, director, and actor John Houseman was popularly known for his portrayal of a crusty law school professor in the 1973 film The Paper Chase and its subsequent television series. Prior to the making of the hit movie and series, Houseman enjoyed a long career as a prominent and influential theater director and producer,  as well as a successful Hollywood producer.  With Orson Welles, Houseman also produced the legendary radio broadcast of ”The War of the Worlds,” an adaptation of an H. G. Wells story. As a Hollywood producer, Houseman’s movies earned 20 Academy Award nominations and won seven. Houseman also helped establish the drama department of the Julliard School. He served as artistic director of the American Shakespeare Festival and was the resident director of opera for the Juilliard Opera Theater. (NY Times) More about this author >