Michael Lehmann

Biography

Michael Stephen Lehmann, born on March 30, 1957, in San Francisco, California, is an American film and television director renowned for his darkly comedic storytelling and genre-blending style. He gained prominence with the cult classic Heathers (1989), a satirical teen film that continues to influence pop culture.

Early Life and Education

Lehmann graduated from Columbia University in 1978, where he studied painting and philosophy. He later pursued an MFA at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, graduating in 1985. During his time at USC, he created the student film The Beaver Gets a Boner, which helped him gain attention in the industry.

Career Highlights

Lehmann began his career at Francis Ford Coppola’s American Zoetrope, initially answering phones and later supervising cameras on films like The Outsiders (1983).

His directorial debut, Heathers, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, became a defining film of the late 1980s. He followed this with a diverse range of films, including Hudson Hawk (1991), Airheads (1994), The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996), 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002), and Because I Said So (2007).

Television Work

Lehmann has directed episodes for numerous television series, showcasing his versatility across genres. His credits include The Larry Sanders Show, The West Wing, Big Love, True Blood, Californication, Dexter, American Horror Story, Snowfall, and Veronica Mars. ​

Recent Projects

In recent years, Lehmann has continued to work in television, directing episodes for series such as The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022), Heels (2023), and American Rust (2024). He is also involved in the upcoming series Dexter: Original Sin (2024–2025).

Personal Life

Lehmann is married to Holland Sutton, and they have two children, including screenwriter Zander Lehmann.