Date of Birth: April 15, 1949
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: August 20, 2018
Biography
Craig Zadan was an American producer, director, and writer known for his influential work in film, television, and theater. Born in Miami, Florida, Zadan grew up in New York City, where he developed a passion for the performing arts. He began his career as a writer and critic for New York Magazine, which eventually led him to co-author the book “Sondheim & Co.”, a comprehensive study of the works of Stephen Sondheim. Zadan’s career took a significant turn when he partnered with Neil Meron in 1975, forming a production team that would become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated duos. Together, they produced a wide range of successful projects, including the Academy Award-winning film “Chicago” (2002), the television adaptation of “The Music Man” (2003), and the live television musicals “The Sound of Music Live!” (2013) and “Hairspray Live!” (2016). Their work earned numerous accolades, including several Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. Zadan and Meron were also known for producing the Academy Awards telecast for three consecutive years from 2013 to 2015. Craig Zadan’s legacy is marked by his dedication to bringing high-quality musical entertainment to the screen, both big and small.
5 Interesting Facts about Craig Zadan
1. Craig Zadan and Neil Meron produced the 2007 film adaptation of the musical “Hairspray,” which was a commercial success.
2. Zadan was a co-producer of the NBC drama series “Smash,” which provided a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a Broadway musical.
3. He and Meron were responsible for the live musical television event trend, starting with “The Sound of Music Live!” in 2013.
4. Zadan’s production company, Storyline Entertainment, was known for its focus on musicals and musical adaptations.
5. He received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the American Film Institute in recognition of his contributions to the industry.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Craig Zadan
1. “Musicals were my first love. They opened up a world of creativity and emotion that I wanted to share with audiences.”
2. “When you bring a musical to life, it’s about capturing the essence of the stage but adding the magic of film.”
3. “Collaboration is key in this industry. It’s about bringing together the best talents to create something unforgettable.”
4. “Theater and film are two sides of the same coin. They both tell stories that can move and inspire people.”
5. “Producing live television musicals is a challenge, but it’s one that brings immense satisfaction when done right.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Craig Zadan’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.
Children
Craig Zadan did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Craig Zadan – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0951879/
4. [Craig Zadan – Broadway World](https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Craig-Zadan/
