Born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Has twice used a blonde woman in a white trench coat to symbolize death: Sally Kellerman in Brewster McCloud (1970) and Virginia Madsen in A Prairie Home Companion (2006).

He was made a Fellow of the British Film Institute, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to film culture.

Helped Shelley Duvall and Gary Chason begin their careers by giving them jobs on Brewster McCloud (1970).

It is said that Altman, a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, was radicalized by a trip to Vietnam to shoot footage of the war in the 1960s. He has never talked about this episode in his life and career.

His episodes of "Bonanza" (1959) often starred the Hoss character played by Dan Blocker and frequently were humorous.

Directed 6 different actresses in Oscar-nominated performances: Sally Kellerman, Julie Christie, Ronee Blakley, Lily Tomlin, Helen Mirren and Maggie Smith.

Close friends with actress Julie Christie.

Like the late Richard Hooker, author of the book MASH (on which his film was based), Altman greatly disliked the TV series that followed and said that it didn`t make the same anti-war point that his film made.

Was voted the 17th Greatest Director of all time by Entertainment Weekly.

Frequently casts Shelley Duvall, John Schuck, Bert Remsen, Lily Tomlin, Sally Kellerman and Michael Murphy.

His movies often contain overlapping dialogue, where several characters speak at once.

Spouse: Kathryn Reed (1 April 1959 - 20 November 2006) (his death) 2 children; Lotus Corelli (1950 - 1955) (divorced) 2 children; LaVonne Elmer (8 June 1946 - 1949) (divorced) 1 child