Lee Daniels on AllMovie

When Philadelphia native Lee Daniels first arrived in Hollywood, he set to work making his fortune, but not in show business. He began working for a nursing agency and then at age 21, he founded his own. He would later sell the business for $2 million when he decided to get involved in movies, eventually becoming a producer on 2001's Monster's Ball. He would soon move into the director's chair, as well, producing and helming 2005's Shadowboxer. However, Daniels name truly lit up in 2009, when he directed and produced the critically acclaimed Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire. The heartwrenching tale of a girl overcoming poverty and abuse in 1980s Harlem would earn Daniels' Oscar nominations for Best Picture as well as Best Director.