I grew up in Long Beach, Southern California, in a family that was technically middle class. My mom, through her tennis activities, socialized with wealthy people at the tennis club, but our family’s main staple was Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

 

I always had an interest in acting until I attended Long Beach City College, where I quickly realized it wasn't my path. I decided to try filmmaking instead. To my surprise, I was accepted into USC Film School. After graduating, I struggled to find work until a security guard at Disney Studios took an interest in me and helped me get my first studio interview, which led to a job as a messenger boy. A few months later, a secretary to the President of Walt Disney Productions introduced me to her boss, Ron Miller, and that marked the start of my career in editing.

 

I advanced from apprentice to assistant editor and part-time animation editor. When corporate raiders targeted the company, I accepted an offer to work on “Magnum PI” at Universal Studios.

 

My career flourished when I transitioned into comedy editing, including work on “Seinfeld.” Though I worked consistently, I never considered myself part of the A-List.

 

After 35 years in the industry, my partner Michael—who also worked in film—and I moved to Mariposa, California, near Yosemite National Park, where we now run the successful Mariposa Butterfly Festival each spring.

 

While I didn't serve in the military, I’m passionate about making documentaries to support servicemen and women, focusing on their struggles with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and the high veteran suicide rate.

 

I donate my time, money, and proceeds to organizations like Tier One Tranquility Base that serve veterans.

 

At 73, I remain active, editing commercials for ABC and PBS, writing screenplays, and working on other film projects. I hope to share exciting news about one of my projects by year's end—though, as anyone in Hollywood knows, don't count on it until the contract is signed. If not, life moves on.

 

Visit my IMDB page: Bill Lowe II.