Jerry Zucker
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.
Known For & Full Filmography11 Titles
Movie - 1980, 2h 15m • as Ground Crewman #1
An ex-fighter pilot forced to take over the controls of an airliner when the flight crew succumbs to food poisoning.
Drama Series - 2022, 16 episodes • as Jerry Zucker
A fast-break series chronicling the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, one of sports' most revered and dominant dynasties — a team that defined an era, both on and off the court.
Drama Series - 2026, 16 episodes • as Self - Filmmaker
Directors Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio explore the life and legacy of Mel Brooks, one of the most enduring comedic voices of our time.
Movie - 1984, 2h 15m • as German Soldier in Prop Room (uncredited)
Popular and dashing American singer Nick Rivers travels to East Germany to perform in a music festival. When he loses his heart to the gorgeous Hillary Flammond, he finds himself caught up in an underground resistance movement. Rivers joins forces with Agent Cedric and Flammond to attempt the rescue of her father, Dr. Paul, from the Germans, who have captured the scientist in hopes of coercing him into building a new naval mine.
Drama Series - 2017, 16 episodes • as Self
Explore what makes us laugh, why, and how that's influenced our social and political landscape throughout history.
Movie - 1977, 2h 15m • as Various
A series of loosely connected skits that spoof news programs, commercials, porno films, kung-fu films, disaster films, blaxploitation films, spy films, mafia films, and the fear that somebody is watching you on the other side of the TV.
Movie - 1995, 2h 15m • as Jerry Zucker
A parody of 1950s corporate/industrial films, commissioned by Universal Pictures executives after the studio's purchase by Seagrams, and featuring cameos by many stars and directors.
Movie - 2015, 2h 15m • as Gus' Father
A young musician takes a beautiful tattoo artist on a ride in a stolen classic car.
Movie - 2002, 2h 15m • as Himself
The making of the movie 'Rat Race'.
Movie - 2001, 2h 15m • as Self
The Making of Ghost
Movie - 2007, 2h 15m • as Self
The making of Ghost