Richard Anthony Wolf is an American television writer, director, executive producer and creator, best known for contributing as creator and executive producer of the Law & Order franchise and co-creator and executive producer of the Chicago franchise. He initially served as an advertising copywriter at Benton & Bowles and created commercials for Crest toothpaste, while looking for a career in the film industry. He eventually relocated to Los Angeles and contributed as screenwriter in three films including in the Rob Lowe and Meg Tilly starrer blockbuster hit romantic mystery thriller ‘Masquerade’. He commenced his television career as a staff writer with ‘Hill Street Blues’ and garnered his first Emmy nomination for the episode ‘What Are Friends For?’ from the series. He created the media franchise Law & Order which has included 6 police/courtroom dramas and 4 international spinoffs since 1990. He co-created the Chicago franchise with Derek Haas and Michael Brandt.  It has included four Chicago-based dramas - police, medical, fire and courtroom since 2012. He received several honours and awards including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.