An American director and actor, born in Manhattan, New York, in the United States. He is the brother of the writer Daniel Petrie Jr. After attending classes in Northridge, California, he started his acting career and quickly made appearances in a number of television shows. Following being admitted to the American Film Institute, he made the decision to concentrate on becoming a director. He is known for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) and Grumpy Old Men (1993).