Ackerman was born in Los Angeles, California. His father Robert was a lithographer, and his mother Rosemary was a substitute teacher and homemaker.[1] He was raised in Glendale.[1] He attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles before graduating from Santa Clara University in 1978 with a degree in general humanities.[2]
Career
Ackerman began his career as a videotape editor on WKRP in Cincinnati (1979–82) and Newhart, winning an Emmy for the former. He also was an assistant editor on Welcome Back, Kotter.[1] He replaced Tom Cherones as director of Seinfeld starting in its sixth season, ultimately directing 89 episodes.