Steven Conrad

Biography

Steve Conrad is an American screenwriter, producer, and director known for blending sharp humor with emotional depth. Over the course of his career, he has built a reputation for creating character-driven stories that mix comedy and drama in unconventional ways, both in film and television.

Early Life and Background

Steve Conrad was born on December 21, 1968, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was raised in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in the Midwest significantly influenced his storytelling style, particularly his interest in ordinary people navigating extraordinary circumstances. Conrad often draws on themes of personal redemption, moral ambiguity, and the complexity of human relationships.

Before entering Hollywood, he developed an interest in writing and storytelling that would eventually lead him into screenwriting. His Midwestern sensibility—marked by dry wit and grounded realism—would later become a defining trait of his work.

Film Career

Conrad began gaining recognition in the 1990s. Some of his notable screenwriting credits include:

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – A biographical drama starring Will Smith. The film tells the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes a successful stockbroker. The film was both a commercial and critical success and remains one of Conrad’s most widely known works.

The Weather Man (2005) – Directed by Gore Verbinski and starring Nicolas Cage, this dark comedy-drama explores personal dissatisfaction and public perception, themes that frequently appear in Conrad’s writing.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) – Directed by and starring Ben Stiller, this adaptation showcases Conrad’s ability to blend introspection with adventure and visual spectacle.

Conrad also directed The Promotion, a workplace comedy starring Seann William Scott and John C. Reilly. The film reflects his interest in everyday characters grappling with ambition and insecurity.

Television Work

In television, Conrad has earned acclaim for creating distinctive, offbeat series:

Patriot (2015–2018) – Created by Conrad, this Amazon Prime Video series follows an intelligence officer balancing covert missions with personal struggles. The show became a cult favorite for its dark humor, deadpan delivery, and emotional complexity.

Perpetual Grace, LTD (2019) – Another Conrad creation, the series stars Ben Kingsley and features a stylized blend of crime drama and philosophical comedy.

His television work is often characterized by understated performances, long silences, and morally complicated characters—hallmarks of his storytelling approach.