Jerry Zucker
Biography
Jerry Zucker is an American director. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 11, 1950. Zucker's early career work started at the Kentucky Fried Theatre on Pico Blvd in West Los Angeles, where he honed his comedic skills. He co-directed films with Jim Abrahams and brother David Zucker, including Airplane! and Top Secret!. Zucker's known for comedy spoof films and the hit film Ghost. He is part of the filmmaking trio Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker.
Career overview
Jerry Zucker is a director known for his work in comedy spoof films. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Zucker's early career involved working with Jim Abrahams and brother David Zucker at the Kentucky Fried Theatre in West Los Angeles, where they honed their comedic skills performing in front of a live audience.
Zucker, Abrahams, and David Zucker went on to co-direct several films, including Airplane! in 1980, Top Secret! in 1984, and Ruthless People in 1986. Jerry Zucker also directed the film Ghost, which was a hit. He lent his directorial skills to another project in 1990.
Jerry Zucker's work is associated with the filmmaking trio Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker. He has directed a number of films and has a career spanning multiple decades.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
44 titles- Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! (2026) as Self - Filmmaker
- The Naked Gun (2025) Original Film Writer
- Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022) as Jerry Zucker
- The History of Comedy (2017) as Self
- Asthma (2015) as Gus' Father
- Dear Dumb Diary (2013) Executive Producer
- Friends with Benefits (2011) Producer
- Fair Game (2010) Producer
- Ghost Stories: The Making of a Classic (2007) as Self
- Unconditional Love (2002) Producer
- Making Rat Race (2002) as Himself
- Rat Race (2001) Director
- Rat Race (2001) Producer
- Ghost: Remembering the Magic (2001) as Self
- My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) Producer
- A Walk in the Clouds (1995) Producer
- First Knight (1995) Director
- First Knight (1995) Producer
- Your Studio and You (1995) as Jerry Zucker
- Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994) Executive Producer
- My Life (1993) Producer
- Brain Donors (1992) Executive Producer
- The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991) Executive Producer
- The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991) Original Series Creator
- Ghost (1990) Director
- The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988) Writer
- The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988) Executive Producer
- Ruthless People (1986) Director
- Top Secret! (1984) as German Soldier in Prop Room (uncredited)
- Top Secret! (1984) Director
- Top Secret! (1984) Screenplay
- Top Secret! (1984) Executive Producer
- Police Squad! (1982) Director
- Police Squad! (1982) Writer
- Police Squad! (1982) Producer
- Police Squad! (1982) Creator
- Airplane! (1980) as Ground Crewman #1
- Airplane! (1980) Director
- Airplane! (1980) Executive Producer
- Airplane! (1980) Writer
- Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979) Second Unit Director
- The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) as Various
- The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) Writer
- 1000 Miles Producer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Jerry Zucker best known for?
Jerry Zucker is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Naked Gun (2025), Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022), Friends with Benefits (2011), Fair Game (2010).
When and where was Jerry Zucker born?
Jerry Zucker was born on March 11, 1950 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
How many credits does Jerry Zucker have?
Jerry Zucker has accumulated over 44 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1977 to 2026.
What is Jerry Zucker's background in cinema and television?
Jerry Zucker is an American director. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 11, 1950. Zucker's early career work started at the Kentucky Fried Theatre on Pico Blvd in West Los Angeles, where he honed his comedic skills. He co-directed films with Jim Abrahams and brother David Zucker, including Airplane! and Top...
Jerry Zucker by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022) as Jerry Zucker — aged about 72
- Airplane! (1980) as Ground Crewman #1 — aged about 30
- Top Secret! (1984) as German Soldier in Prop Room (uncredited) — aged about 34
- The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) as Various — aged about 27
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