The late Craig Zadan | Photo: YouTube/cunytv75
Ubiquitous producer of stage and screen Craig Zadan passed away on Monday (20 August) night.
NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt revealed Zadan died at his Hollywood Hills home after suffering complications from a recent shoulder replacement surgery.
‘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,’ Greenblatt said.
He was best known for his musicals and live entertainment projects.
His earlier TV musicals included CBS’ Gypsy in 1993 starring Bette Midler and Cinderella in 1997 on ABC with Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother. More recently, he was behind a lot of the recent live TV musicals, such as The Sound of Music Live and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. The latter is up for 13 Emmy Awards next month.
Zadan was also a Broadway producer, behind shows like How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Promises, Promises.
Finally, along with Neil Meron, he executive produced the Oscars from 2013 to 2015.
Zadan’s partner, Elwood Hopkins, survives him.
‘This is a true loss’
Several celebrities and creators took to social media to remember Zadan.
Kristin Chenoweth wrote the loss was not only for her, but for the whole world.
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. pic.twitter.com/tl2rEtMNBM
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) August 22, 2018
‘So much is going on in all our lives, but I do want to note the death yesterday of a wonderful man and a great friend, Craig Zadan,’ Midler wrote on Twitter.
She further described him as ‘utterly devoted to restoring the American musical to its rightful place in our hearts’.
So much is going on in all our lives, but I do want to note the death yesterday of a wonderful man and a great friend, Craig Zadan, who was utterly devoted to restoring the American musical to its rightful place in our hearts. Thank you, Craig…
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) August 22, 2018
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Craig Zadan’s passing. We collaborated on several projects…and he was always a joy to work with. His kindness and his creativity will surely be missed.
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) August 22, 2018
Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda also wrote about Zadan’s commitment to musicals and wondered, ‘how do you begin to express gratitude for such a wondrous thing’.
Craig Zadan, together with Neil Meron, made a career and a LIFE of bringing musical theater into homes and to people everywhere, how do you begin to express gratitude for such a wondrous thing #RIPCraigZadan
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 22, 2018
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Craig Zadan’s passing.
He was a tireless supporter of so many … including myself. He brought joy to countless people. He will be incredibly missed. Sending love and thoughts to his family and friends.— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) August 22, 2018
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 pic.twitter.com/BWLDmViJar
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) August 22, 2018
There was so much news today but I’m so sad to hear about Craig Zadan, who produced so many things I loved and brought great musicals back to film and TV. Sending love to Craig’s collaborator of many, many years, my pal @neilmeron. RIP.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) August 22, 2018
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