Terence Winter

Biography

Terence Winter is an acclaimed American screenwriter, producer, and director, best known for his work in both television and film. He was born on October 2, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in a working-class family in the Marine Park neighborhood, Winter developed an early interest in storytelling and performance, drawing from the gritty realism of his surroundings.

Before entering the entertainment industry, Winter earned a degree from New York University and later graduated from St. John's University School of Law. Although initially practicing law, he realized his passion lay in writing, prompting a career shift that would ultimately lead him to Hollywood.

Career

Terence Winter began his writing career in television in the late 1990s, contributing to various shows before landing a pivotal role in the writing team of the groundbreaking HBO series The Sopranos. His work on the show earned widespread acclaim and multiple awards. As a writer and executive producer on The Sopranos, Winter became known for his ability to blend complex character development with sharp, realistic dialogue.

His success on The Sopranos paved the way for his creation: Boardwalk Empire. Premiering in 2010, the HBO series explored the political and criminal landscape of Prohibition-era Atlantic City. Starring Steve Buscemi as political fixer Nucky Thompson, the show earned high praise for its rich storytelling, meticulous production design, and historical depth. Winter served as the show’s creator, executive producer, and one of its main writers. Boardwalk Empire ran for five seasons and became one of HBO’s flagship dramas of the 2010s.

Winter transitioned into film with similar success. One of his most notable screenwriting credits is The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film, based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, earned Winter an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. His sharp, energetic writing style was a perfect match for the film’s chaotic and excessive tone.

Winter’s collaboration with Scorsese also extended to television, as the legendary director served as an executive producer and directed the pilot of Boardwalk Empire. This creative partnership highlighted Winter’s ability to work alongside some of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry.

Following his success with Boardwalk Empire, Winter also worked as an executive producer on the music industry drama Vinyl (2016), another HBO series co-created with Scorsese and Mick Jagger. Although Vinyl was short-lived, it showcased Winter’s ongoing interest in exploring American culture through different historical lenses.