Jerry Zucker

Born: 11th of March 1950 (75 years old)

Biography:
Jerry Zucker (born March 11, 1950) is an American director, known for comedy spoof films, and the hit film Ghost.

Zucker was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Charlotte (d. 2007) and Burton Zucker, who was a real estate developer. He graduated from Shorewood High School.

Zucker's early career work started with Jim Abrahams and brother David Zucker at the Kentucky Fried Theatre on Pico Blvd in West Los Angeles where they honed their comedic skills doing skits in front of a live audience. From there the three went on and together co-directed Airplane! in 1980 and then went on to do Top Secret! in 1984, and Ruthless People in 1986. In 1990, he lent his directorial skills to the dramatic genre with Ghost, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Recent directorial efforts of Zucker's include the 2001 film Rat Race (which re-teamed him with Ghost star Whoopi Goldberg).

Like his brother David Zucker, Jerry often cast his mother, Charlotte (who died in 2007), and his sister, Susan Breslau, in small roles in his films. Along with Jim Abrahams, the Zuckers constitute the "ZAZ" team of directors.

Jerry Zucker's Filmography

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

  •   TV Show
  • 2022
Jerry Zucker
The History of Comedy

The History of Comedy

  •   TV Show
  • 2017
Self
Top Secret!

Top Secret!

  •   Movie
  • 1984
German Soldier in Prop Room (uncredited)
Airplane!

Airplane!

  •   Movie
  • 1980
Ground Crewman #1
The Kentucky Fried Movie

The Kentucky Fried Movie

  •   Movie
  • 1977
Various
The Naked Gun

The Naked Gun

  •   Movie
  • 2025
Original Film Writer
Friends with Benefits

Friends with Benefits

  •   Movie
  • 2011
Producer
Fair Game

Fair Game

  •   Movie
  • 2010
Producer
Unconditional Love

Unconditional Love

  •   Movie
  • 2002
Producer
Rat Race

Rat Race

  •   Movie
  • 2001
Director, Producer
My Best Friend's Wedding

My Best Friend's Wedding

  •   Movie
  • 1997
Producer
First Knight

First Knight

  •   Movie
  • 1995
Director, Producer
Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult

Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult

  •   Movie
  • 1994
Executive Producer
My Life

My Life

  •   Movie
  • 1993
Producer
Brain Donors

Brain Donors

  •   Movie
  • 1992
Executive Producer
The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear

The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear

  •   Movie
  • 1991
Executive Producer, Original Series Creator
Ghost

Ghost

  •   Movie
  • 1990
Director
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!

  •   Movie
  • 1988
Executive Producer, Writer
Ruthless People

Ruthless People

  •   Movie
  • 1986
Director
Top Secret!

Top Secret!

  •   Movie
  • 1984
Director, Executive Producer, Screenplay
Airplane!

Airplane!

  •   Movie
  • 1980
Director, Executive Producer, Writer
Rock 'n' Roll High School

Rock 'n' Roll High School

  •   Movie
  • 1979
Second Unit Director
The Kentucky Fried Movie

The Kentucky Fried Movie

  •   Movie
  • 1977
Writer