Date of Birth: December 13, 1934
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: July 13, 2012
Biography
Richard Darryl Zanuck was an American film producer born into Hollywood royalty on December 13, 1934, in Los Angeles, California. The son of legendary studio executive Darryl F. Zanuck and actress Virginia Fox, Richard had an early introduction to the film industry. He began his career at 20th Century Fox, where he worked his way up the ranks and eventually became President of Production. Under his leadership, the studio produced several successful films, including “The Sound of Music” (1965) and “Planet of the Apes” (1968). After being fired from Fox in 1970, Zanuck partnered with David Brown to form The Zanuck/Brown Company. Together, they produced iconic films such as “Jaws” (1975), “The Sting” (1973), and “Cocoon” (1985). Zanuck’s collaboration with director Tim Burton resulted in numerous successful films, including “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005) and “Alice in Wonderland” (2010). Zanuck’s distinguished career earned him several accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Picture for “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989). He passed away on July 13, 2012, leaving behind a legacy of cinematic excellence.
5 Interesting Facts about Richard D. Zanuck
1. Richard Zanuck was the youngest studio head in Hollywood history when he became President of 20th Century Fox at the age of 28.
2. He won an Academy Award for Best Picture for “Driving Miss Daisy” in 1989.
3. Zanuck was known for his long-term collaboration with director Tim Burton.
4. He was the son of Darryl F. Zanuck, a co-founder of 20th Century Fox.
5. Richard Zanuck served as a lieutenant in the United States Army before fully committing to his film career.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard D. Zanuck
1. “The only way to get rid of my fears is to make films about them.”
2. “Every time I start a new project, I feel the same kind of excitement I felt when I first started making movies.”
3. “Hollywood is a place where they’ll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.”
4. “A good story is a good story, no matter the genre.”
5. “Success is not what you achieve, it’s what you inspire others to do.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Richard D. Zanuck’s net worth was estimated to be around $80 million.
Children
Richard D. Zanuck had three children: 1. Virginia Zanuck (daughter) 2. Janet Zanuck (daughter) 3. Dean Zanuck (son), who is also a film producer.
Relevant Links
1. [Richard D. Zanuck – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0953123/
2. [Richard D. Zanuck – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_D._Zanuck
