Thomas Ropelewski began his career in Hollywood as an assistant to producer Edgar Scherick, followed by executive positions in Universal Television and NBC. He wrote and made his directorial debut with the Orion Pictures comedy Madhouse. His other film credits include Loverboy, The Kiss, The Next Best Thing, and Look Who's Talking Now! He also served as writer/producer on Paramount TV's action/sci-fi series Seven Days.
Ropelewski was born in Massachusetts and is a graduate of Dartmouth College. He is married to screenwriter Leslie Dixon (Mrs. Doubtfire, Hairspray, Limitless), who is the granddaughter of Maynard Dixon and Dorothea Lange. Child of Giants is Ropelewski's first documentary.