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Oscars Producer Craig Zadan Dead at 69

Aug 22, 2018  •  Post A Comment

Craig Zadan, a prolific TV and film producer who was behind not only the Oscars ceremony but also the Oscar-winning film “Chicago,” has died.

Zadan reportedly died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 69.

NBC President Bob Greenblatt released a statement confirming Zadan’s death, writing: “It is with profound sadness that I am announcing the passing of my dear friend and colleague Craig Zadan, who died of complications following shoulder replacement surgery. On behalf of his life partner, Elwood Hopkins, and his producing partner, Neil Meron, we are stunned that the man behind so many incredible film, theatre, and television productions — several of them joyous musicals — was taken away so suddenly. Craig’s distinguished career as a passionate and consummate producer is eclipsed only by his genuine love for the thousands of actors, directors, writers, musicians, designers, and technicians he worked with over the years. His absence will be felt in our hearts and throughout our business.”

The Motion PIcture Academy posted a message on Twitter in tribute to Zadan, which you can see below. Zadan and Meron produced the Academy Awards ceremony from 2013 to 2016.

“Zadan’s notable TV credits stretch back to the ’90s, when he and Meron brought to the small screen music-infused TV movies like ‘Cinderella’ starring Whitney Houston and ‘Annie.’ In recent years, Zadan and Meron ushered in a new era of musical television with live musicals for NBC, including ‘The Wiz’ and ‘The Sound of Music,'” CNN reports. “Their latest effort, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert,’ was nominated for 13 Emmy awards last month.”

Zadan’s many awards include 14 nominations for Primetime Emmys.

3 Comments

  1. So sorry to hear. Great talent and human being. Thoughts and prayers to his families, personal and professional and close friends. Rest in Peace Craig!

  2. He probably did not care for the new categories that will be introduced next year, along with Jimmy Kimmel’s and other’s political rantings. I enjoyed reading about Jon Stewart herding goats into safety in the subway.

  3. Hosts and actors have always made political statements at the Oscars, including the ones Zadan produced. Sorry you had to troll folks with some political b.s. Rest In Peace, Craig.

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