Advertisement

Craig Zadan -- producer of live musicals, films and Oscars -- dead at 69

By Karen Butler
Neil Meron and Craig Zadan talk about their 2018 television musical "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert." Zadan died at the age of 69 Tuesday. Photo by Chris Haston/NBC
Neil Meron and Craig Zadan talk about their 2018 television musical "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert." Zadan died at the age of 69 Tuesday. Photo by Chris Haston/NBC

Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Musical theater, film and awards show producer Craig Zadan died Tuesday at his Hollywood Hills home. He was 69.

Variety said the cause of his death was complications from a recent shoulder-replacement operation.

Advertisement

"We are stunned that the man behind so many incredible film, theater, and television productions -- several of them joyous musicals -- was taken away so suddenly," NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt said in a statement. "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."

Zadan and his longtime collaborator Neil Meron were announced in May as the producers for a 2019 live network production of Hair.

Their previous efforts for NBC included stagings of the musicals The Sound of Music, Peter Pan, The Wiz, Hairspray and Jesus Christ Superstar. They also produced three Oscars telecasts for ABC 2013-15.

Advertisement

Playbill.com noted Zadan's stage and screen projects with Meron earned six Oscars, five Golden Globes, 17 Emmys, a Grammy and two Tonys. Among their Broadway credits were Promises, Promises and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

They also served as producers on TV's Smash and Drop Dead Diva, and on the big-screen versions of Chicago, Hairspray and Footloose.

Zadan is survived by his partner, Elwood Hopkins.

Celebrities took to social media Tuesday evening to express their sorrow over Zadan's death.

"I'm stunned and saddened the unexpected passing of Craig Zadan. He's been a friend my entire adult life, championed me to host the Oscars, brought musical theatre back to TV. A wonderful, kind spirit. My sincere condolences to his family and his partner, Elwood. #RIP," Neil Patrick Harris tweeted.

"Annie, The Music Man, Promises, Hairspray... Craig, you were there with me from the beginning. This is a true loss not only for me, but for the world. Rest in peace, sweetheart," Kristin Chenoweth wrote.

"In shock....Craig Zadan, my colleague and producer of Hairspray and so many musicals has passed.... prayers for him and his loved ones....I'm so confused and disoriented....he and @neilmeron gave me the opportunity of a lifetime with that movie. I'm so so grateful and so so sad. #rip," said Adam Shankman.

Advertisement

"RIP to our friend Craig. He produced Jesus Christ Superstar with us and also produced the Oscars when Common and I sang "Glory" in front of a replica of the Pettus Bridge. A wonderful producer and a lovely man," John Legend wrote in his post.

Latest Headlines