Chris Meledandri

Date of Birth: May 15, 1959

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

Chris Meledandri is an acclaimed American film producer, best known for founding Illumination Entertainment, the animation studio behind blockbuster hits such as “Despicable Me,” “Minions,” and “The Secret Life of Pets.” Born in New York City, Meledandri grew up with a passion for storytelling and cinema, which led him to pursue a career in the film industry. He began his career in the 1980s, working for the producer of the “Rocky” series, Robert Chartoff, and later joined 20th Century Fox as an executive. At Fox, he was instrumental in the success of the animated film “Ice Age,” which laid the groundwork for his future ventures in animation. In 2007, he founded Illumination Entertainment, which quickly became one of the most successful animation studios in Hollywood, known for its cost-effective production methods and high-grossing films. Meledandri has been lauded for his innovative approach to animation and his ability to identify and nurture creative talent. His films have not only been commercial successes but have also garnered critical acclaim for their humor, storytelling, and animation quality.

5 Interesting Facts about Chris Meledandri

1. Chris Meledandri was the producer behind the successful “Ice Age” franchise before founding Illumination Entertainment.

2. Illumination Entertainment’s first film, “Despicable Me,” released in 2010, grossed over $540 million worldwide.

3. Meledandri’s films have collectively grossed over $7 billion at the global box office.

4. He was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” by Time Magazine in 2017.

5. Under his leadership, Illumination Entertainment became known for producing high-quality animated films on relatively low budgets compared to other major studios.