Carl Gottlieb
Biography
Carl Gottlieb, born March 18, 1938, in New York City, New York, USA, is an American male screenwriter, actor, comedian and executive. He is also credited as Carl A. Gottlieb. Gottlieb is best known for co‑writing the screenplay for the film Jaws and for directing the 1981 low‑budget cult film Caveman. His professional profile on The Movie Database lists writing as his primary known field, with a total of fifty‑six credited works. The TMDB entry records a content score of one hundred, reflecting a comprehensive data set for his career.
Career overview
Carl Gottlieb was born on March 18, 1938, in New York City, New York, USA. He is an American screenwriter who is also credited as an actor, comedian and executive. In the TMDB database his gender is listed as male and he is recorded under the alternate name Carl A. Gottlieb. As of the latest data he has accumulated fifty‑six writing credits, reflecting a substantial body of work in film and television.
Gottlieb is probably best known for co‑writing the screenplay for the classic film Jaws, a credit that has become a defining element of his career. In addition to his writing achievements, he directed the 1981 low‑budget cult film Caveman, demonstrating his involvement in multiple aspects of production. His contributions to the industry are highlighted by the TMDB “Known For” designation, which emphasizes writing as his primary area of recognition.
Overall, Gottlieb’s career spans several decades, during which he has maintained a consistent presence in the entertainment field. The TMDB profile assigns him a content score of 100, indicating a comprehensive and well‑documented record of his professional activities. His extensive list of writing credits, combined with his notable work on Jaws and his directorial effort on Caveman, underscore his lasting impact on American cinema.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
67 titles- Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story (2025) as Self
- Jaws, a Monstrous Success (2024) as Self - screenwriter
- Sharksploitation (2024) as Self
- Decker (2014) as Self
- Don't Say No Until I Finish Talking: The Story of Richard D. Zanuck (2013) as Self
- The Shark Is Still Working (2009) as Self
- Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex 'n' Drugs 'n' Rock 'n' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood (2003) as Self
- The Making of Jaws 2 (2001) as Self
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show (1997) Director
- Clueless (1995) as Priest
- The Making of 'Jaws' (1995) as Self
- Partners in Life (1990) Director
- The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour: The 20th Reunion (1988) as Self
- Hooperman (1987) Director
- Amazon Women on the Moon (1987) Director
- Paul Reiser: Out on a Whim (1987) Director
- Leo & Liz in Beverly Hills (1986) Director
- Leo & Liz in Beverly Hills (1986) Creator
- George Burns Comedy Week (1985) Writer
- George Burns Comedy Week (1985) Director
- George Burns Comedy Week (1985) Producer
- George Burns Comedy Week (1985) Teleplay
- George Burns Comedy Week (1985) Story
- Into the Night (1985) as Federal Agent
- Steve Martin Live! (1984) Director
- Johnny Dangerously (1984) as Dr. Magnus
- The Jerk, Too (1984) Characters
- Jaws 3-D (1983) Screenplay
- Doctor Detroit (1983) Writer
- The Sting II (1983) as Maitre D'
- Caveman (1981) Director
- Caveman (1981) Writer
- Delta House (1979) Director
- The Jerk (1979) as Iron Balls McGinty
- The Jerk (1979) Screenplay
- Jaws 2 (1978) Screenplay
- More Than Friends (1978) as Paul J. Micale
- Crisis in Sun Valley (1978) Writer
- The Absent-Minded Waiter (1977) Director
- Which Way Is Up? (1977) Screenplay
- The Deadly Triangle (1977) Writer
- Laverne & Shirley (1976)
- Laverne & Shirley (1976) Director
- Cannonball (1976) as Terry McMillan
- Dean's Place (1976) as Various
- Dean's Place (1976) Writer
- Saturday Night Live (1975) Writer
- Baretta (1975)
- Jaws (1975) as Meadows
- Jaws (1975) Screenplay
- Chico and the Man (1974)
- The Long Goodbye (1973) as Wade Party Guest (uncredited)
- The Bob Newhart Show (1972) as Mr. Luberski
- The Bob Newhart Show (1972) Writer
- Something Evil (1972) as Party Guest
- Up the Sandbox (1972) as Vinnie
- Getting Together (1971)
- Celebration at Big Sur (1971) Producer
- The Odd Couple (1970) Writer
- M*A*S*H (1970) as 'Ugly John'
- A Session with the Committee (1969) as Self
- The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (1967) Writer
- Hey Landlord! (1966)
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
- Once Upon a Hill…There Was a School Co-Writer
- Not Your Average Joe as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Carl Gottlieb best known for?
Carl Gottlieb is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Decker (2014), Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show (1997), Clueless (1995), To Live and Die in L.A. (1985).
When and where was Carl Gottlieb born?
Carl Gottlieb was born on March 18, 1938 in New York City, New York, USA.
How many credits does Carl Gottlieb have?
Carl Gottlieb has accumulated over 67 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1961 to 2025.
What is Carl Gottlieb's background in cinema and television?
Carl Gottlieb, born March 18, 1938, in New York City, New York, USA, is an American male screenwriter, actor, comedian and executive. He is also credited as Carl A. Gottlieb. Gottlieb is best known for co‑writing the screenplay for the film Jaws and for directing the 1981 low‑budget cult film Caveman. His professional ...
Carl Gottlieb by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Jaws (1975) as Meadows — aged about 37
- The Bob Newhart Show (1972) as Mr. Luberski — aged about 34
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self — aged about 24
- The Long Goodbye (1973) as Wade Party Guest (uncredited) — aged about 35
- Clueless (1995) as Priest — aged about 57
- Laverne & Shirley (1976) — aged about 38
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