Joel Surnow was born on November 29, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. He is a writer and producer, known for 24 (2001), The Equalizer (1985) and Nowhere Man (1995). He has been married to Colleen Surnow since October 10, 1989. They have three children.
Worked for 5 years, in the seventies, as a boiler room carpet salesman with father, Max.
Attended UC Berkeley two years; graduated UCLA Film School, 1976.
Was friends with William Castle, king of B-movies, during high school years.
Had Peta Wilson blacklisted in Hollywood after she refused to renew her contract for La Femme Nikita. She retired from acting in 2015.
Had many well known celebrities visit the set of 24 and attend events for the series, including Lawrence O' Donnell, Chelsea Handler, Rush Limbaugh, Ricky Gervais, John McCain, Frank Darabont and William Friedkin.