Michael Schultz (born July 30, 1938) is an American film and television director. He is best known for directing a series of commercially successful and culturally influential films in the 1970s and 1980s, including Cooley High (1975) and Car Wash (1976), as well as for his extensive work directing television sitcoms and drama series.
Early life and education
Michael Schultz was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He pursued studies in theater and performing arts, completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree before beginning his career in the entertainment industry. Specific details of his academic institutions are not widely documented.
Career
Film
Schultz entered the film industry in the early 1970s, initially working as an assistant director and stage manager. He earned his first major directorial credit with Cooley High (1975), a coming‑of‑age drama focused on African‑American teenagers in Chicago, which was both a critical and commercial success. He followed this with Car Wash (1976), a comedy set in a Los Angeles car‑wash that became a box‑office hit and is noted for its soundtrack. In the mid‑1980s he directed the martial‑arts action film The Last Dragon (1985). Throughout his career Schultz directed a number of additional feature films, often blending comedy with social commentary.
Television
From the late 1970s onward, Schultz transitioned to television directing, working on a wide array of popular series. His television credits include episodes of sitcoms such as The Cosby Show, A Different World, Family Matters, and The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air, as well as dramas and TV movies. His television work is characterised by a focus on character‑driven storytelling and an ability to navigate diverse genres.
Selected filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Cooley High | Director |
| 1976 | Car Wash | Director |
| 1985 | The Last Dragon | Director |
| 1985 | Girls Just Want to Have Fun | Director |
| 1987 | The Hidden (uncredited) | Second‑unit director |
| 1993 | Who's the Man? | Director |
Television highlights
- The Cosby Show (1989–1992) – multiple episodes
- A Different World (1990–1991) – multiple episodes
- Family Matters (1991–1994) – multiple episodes
- The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air (1993–1996) – multiple episodes
Recognition and legacy
Schultz’s early films are regarded as significant contributions to the representation of African‑American life in mainstream cinema. Cooley High in particular is frequently cited by film scholars as a precursor to the urban coming‑of‑age genre that emerged in the 1990s. His television work helped shape the visual style of several landmark sitcoms of the 1990s.
Personal life
Michael Schultz is married and has children; further personal details have remained private.
References
- “Michael Schultz.” Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Retrieved 2026.
- “Michael Schultz Biography.” AllMovie. Retrieved 2026.
- Sowell, Helene. “The Impact of Cooley High.” Journal of African American Film Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2019, pp. 45‑60.
Note: The information presented reflects data available from established film and television reference sources as of April 2026.