Jerry Bruckheimer
Sunday, September 28, 2008Posted by
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A former advertising executive who moved into film production in the early 1970s, Jerry Bruckheimer has given audiences movies, videos and soundtracks that have topped $11 billion in grosses to date. Together with the late Don Simpson, with whom he formed Simpson-Bruckheimer Productions in 1983, the producer set the trend for the big-budget, action/adventure films that dominated Hollywood's output throughout the 1980s and 90s. Their joint ventures included "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984) and "Top Gun" (1986), both among the 20 highest-grossing features of all time and both produced via the company's long-term deal with Paramount Pictures....
Filmography
A Cup of Tea - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Affirmative Action - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Apaches - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Ballers - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Beware the Night - ( Producer / / Announced / )
C. R. U. S. H. - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Captain Kidd - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Chasing the Party - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Coyote Ugly 2 - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Game Boys - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Gemini Man - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Golden Boy - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Harms Way - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Higher Education - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Jihadists in Paradise - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Knife to the Hilt - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Love Hurts - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Micronauts - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Nest - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Nine Lives (Walt Disney Co.) - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Nutty Nut (Remake) - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Once Upon a Distant War - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Oz (Bruckheimer/Carbon 6) - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Red World - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Signature - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Silent Thunder - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Tandem Couple - ( Producer / / Announced / )
The Bureau and the Mole - ( Producer / / Announced / )
The Increment - ( Producer / / Announced / )
The Listener - ( Producer / / Announced / )
The Lone Ranger - ( Producer / / Announced / )
The Monstrous Memoirs of a Mighty McFearless - ( Producer / / Announced / )
The Rock Star - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Tom and Wild Bill - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Trail of the Tiger - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Trail of the Tiger - ( Director / / Announced / )
Unnatural History - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Untitled (David Protess/Rob Warden project) - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Untitled (Disney/King/Marx Project) - ( Producer / / Announced / )
WILD HORSES (Ben Myron Productions) - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Witness to the Truth - ( Producer / / Announced / )
You Need Therapy - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Confessions of a Shopaholic - ( Producer / 2009 / Lensing/Awaiting Release / )
G-Force - ( Producer / 2009 / Lensing/Awaiting Release / )
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - ( Producer / 2009 / Lensing/Awaiting Release / )
In Search of Ted Demme - ( - Himself / / Lensing/Awaiting Release / )
National Treasure: Book of Secrets - ( Producer / 2007 / Released / )
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - ( Producer / 2007 / Released / )
Deja Vu - ( Producer / 2006 / Released / )
Glory Road - ( Producer / 2006 / Released / )
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - ( Producer / 2006 / Released / )
King Arthur - ( Producer / 2004 / Released / )
National Treasure - ( Producer / 2004 / Released / Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment )
Bad Boys II - ( Producer / 2003 / Released / )
Kangaroo Jack - ( Producer / 2003 / Released / )
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl - ( Producer / 2003 / Released / )
Veronica Guerin - ( Producer / 2003 / Released / )
Bad Company - ( Producer / 2002 / Released / )
Black Hawk Down - ( Producer / 2001 / Released / )
Pearl Harbor - ( Producer / 2001 / Released / )
Coyote Ugly - ( Producer / 2000 / Released / )
Gone in 60 Seconds - ( Producer / 2000 / Released / )
Remember the Titans - ( Producer / 2000 / Released / )
Armageddon - ( Producer / 1998 / Released / )
Enemy of the State - ( Producer / 1998 / Released / )
Franky Goes to Hollywood - ( / 1998 / Released / )
Con Air - ( Producer / 1997 / Released / Village Roadshow Pictures Worldwide )
The Rock - ( Producer / 1996 / Released / )
Bad Boys - ( Producer / 1995 / Released / )
Crimson Tide - ( Producer / 1995 / Released / )
Dangerous Minds - ( Producer / 1995 / Released / )
The Ref - ( Executive Producer / 1994 / Released / )
Days of Thunder - ( Producer / 1990 / Released / )
Beverly Hills Cop II - ( Producer / 1987 / Released / )
Top Gun - ( Producer / 1986 / Released / )
Beverly Hills Cop - ( Producer / 1984 / Released / CIC Taft Video )
Thief of Hearts - ( Producer / 1984 / Released / )
Flashdance - ( Producer / 1983 / Released / )
Cat People - ( Executive Producer / 1982 / Released / )
Young Doctors in Love - ( Producer / 1982 / Released / )
Thief - ( Producer / 1981 / Released / )
American Gigolo - ( Producer / 1980 / Released / Paramount Pictures )
Defiance - ( Producer / 1980 / Released / )
March Or Die - ( Producer / 1977 / Released / )
Farewell, My Lovely - ( Producer / 1975 / Released / )
The Culpepper Cattle Company - ( Associate Producer / 1972 / Released / )
TV Credits
Eleventh Hour ( 2008 / Lensing/Awaiting Release ): Executive Producer
The Amazing Race 13 ( 2008 / Announced ): Executive Producer
The Amazing Race 12 ( 2007 / Released ): Executive Producer
The Final Push ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Sorry, Guys, I'm Not Happy to See You ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
I Just Hope He Doesn't Croak On Us ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Honestly, They Have Witch Powers or Something! ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
This is Forever, Now ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 6 more)
The Amazing Race: All-Stars ( 2007 / Released ): Executive Producer
Low to the Ground, That's My Technique ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Oh My God, the Teletubbies Go to War ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Good Doing Business With You ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
We Are Trying To Make Love, Not War ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Way You Look, Yeah ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 8 more)
Justice ( 2006 / Released ): Executive Producer
Christmas Party ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Prior Convictions ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Filicide ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Shotgun ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Shark Week ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 7 more)
Modern Men ( 2006 / Released ): Executive Producer
Give 'til You Learn ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Homewrecker ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Kyle Dates Up ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Timmy, Can You Hear Me? ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Breakup ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 1 more)
The Amazing Race 10 ( 2006 / Released ): Executive Producer
Say Your Deepest Prayers Ever ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Dude, I'm Such a Hot Giant Chick Right Now! ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
We Just Won't Die, Like Roaches ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Lookin' Like A Blue-Haired Lady On A Sunday Drive ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Being Polite Sucks Sometimes ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 8 more)
The Amazing Race 9 ( 2006 / Released ): Executive Producer
5 Continents...10 Countries...And More than 59 Thousand Miles! ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
I Think This Monkey Likes Me! ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Man They Should Have Used Fake Names ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Do You Know How Much Running I Did Today, Phil? ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Here Comes the Bedouin! ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 7 more)
Amazing Race: Family Edition ( 2005 / Released ): Executive Producer
25 Days, 50 Cities and More Than 600 Consecutive Hours as a Family ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Family Christmas Card ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Don't Talk to Me Like I was an Animal or Something ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
How's That Face Feel? ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
You Look Ridiculous ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 6 more)
Close to Home ( 2005 / Released ): Executive Producer
Eminent Domain ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Fall from Grace ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Drink the Cup ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Maternal Instinct ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Making Amends ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 35 more)
E-Ring ( 2005 / Released ): Executive Producer
The General ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
War Crimes ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Breath of Allah ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Christmas Story ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Forgotten ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 9 more)
Just Legal ( 2005 / Released ): Executive Producer
The Bar ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Code ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Rainmaker ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Heater ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Body in the Trunk ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 3 more)
The Amazing Race 7 ( 2005 / Released ): Executive Producer
5 Continents, 25 Cities and More Than 40,000 Miles ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Devil Made Me Do It ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
We Got a Gnome! We Got a Gnome! ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
We Have a Bad Elephant ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Mow 'Em Down Like Grass ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 7 more)
CSI: New York ( 2004 / Released ): Executive Producer
Veritas ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Hostage ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Taxi ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Personal Foul ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Admissions ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 88 more)
The Amazing Race 5 ( 2004 / Released ): Executive Producer
You've Just Made Me A Millionaire ( 2004 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
It's Okay, Run Them Over! ( 2004 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
They're Screwing The Helmet To My Head - It Can't Be Good ( 2004 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
If You're Gonna Whine, Just Shut up! ( 2004 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
I'm Going To Jail ( 2004 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 7 more)
The Amazing Race 6 ( 2004 / Released ): Executive Producer
4 Continents, 24 Cities, 40,000 Miles ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
You Deal With This Before I Hyperventilate ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
It Always Comes Down To The Details ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Are There Instructions on Donkey Handling? ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Tell Mom I Love Her ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 7 more)
The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing ( 2004 / Released ): Actor
TV Land Moguls ( 2004 / Released ): Actor
3rd Annual DVD Exclusive Awards ( 2003 / Released ): Actor
Cold Case ( 2003 / Released ): Executive Producer
Ghost of My Child ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Slipping ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Bad Reputation ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Road ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Andy in C Minor ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 101 more)
E! Entertainer of the Year 2003 ( 2003 / Released ): Actor
Profiles From the Front Line ( 2003 / Released ): Executive Producer
Reel Comedy: Bad Boys II ( 2003 / Released ): Actor
Skin ( 2003 / Released ): Executive Producer
True Lies ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Family Values ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Blowback ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Fidelity ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Amber Synn ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 3 more)
The Amazing Race 4 ( 2003 / Released ): Executive Producer
It's Like Adam Building His First House! ( 2003 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
He's a Few Ticks Away From Having a Heart Attack! ( 2003 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Such a Nice Phermone Smell to You; Just Makes Me Want to Stay Close to You! ( 2003 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
That's Me. That's My Face. Just Hit My Face. Hit My Face! ( 2003 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
We're Not at Charm School Learning to be a Gentleman, We're Racing ( 2003 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 8 more)
Will Smith VH1 Movie Special: Bad Boys II ( 2003 / Released ): Actor
CSI: Miami ( 2002 / Released ): Executive Producer
Resurrection ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Going Ballistic ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Down to the Wire ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Rock and a Hard Place ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Tunnel Vision ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 135 more)
Hollywood Salutes Nicolas Cage: An American Cinematheque Tribute ( 2002 / Released ): Actor
The Amazing Race 2 ( 2002 / Released ): Executive Producer
Follow That Plane ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
It's Hammer Time ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Ready to Lose Our Lives ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
I'm Not A Miner! No, You're an Idiot! ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
I'm Gonna Throw Up On Phil's Shoes ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 6 more)
The Amazing Race 3 ( 2002 / Released ): Executive Producer
They're Slithering to the Finish Line Like the Rest of Us! ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Don't Try to Play the Moralist Now! ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Why Did You Have to Take Your Pants Off?! ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
This is More Important Than Your Pants Falling ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
I'm Supposed to be Indepted to Her for the Rest of the Race? ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 6 more)
Without A Trace ( 2002 / Released ): Executive Producer
Closure ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Satellites ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Driven ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
A Dollar and a Dream ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Deja Vu ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 131 more)
Pearl Harbor: A Journey to the Screen ( 2001 / Released ): Actor
The Amazing Race ( 2001 / Released ): Executive Producer
Race to the Finish, Part II ( 2001 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Race to the Finish, Part I ( 2001 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Fight to the Last Minute ( 2001 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
To the Physical and Mental Limit ( 2001 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Unexpected Twist ( 2001 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 8 more)
The Inside Reel: Digital Filmmaking ( 2001 / Released ): Actor
What Is a Producer? ( 2001 / Released ): Actor
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation ( 2000 / Released ): Executive Producer
For Gedda ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Two and a Half Deaths ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Theory of Everything ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Drop's Out ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
A Thousand Days on Earth ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 173 more)
Swing Vote ( 1999 / Released ): Executive Producer
Armageddon: Target Earth ( 1998 / Released ): Actor
Max Q ( 1998 / Released ): Executive Producer
S.O.F. Special Ops Force ( 1997 / Released ): Executive Producer
Dangerous Minds ( 1996 / Released ): Executive Producer
Naked Hollywood ( 1991 / Released ): Actor
The New Hollywood ( 1990 / Released ): Actor
The Amazing Race 14 ( Announced ): Executive Producer
Full Biography
A former advertising executive who moved into film production in the early 1970s, Jerry Bruckheimer has given audiences movies, videos and soundtracks that have topped $11 billion in grosses to date. Together with the late Don Simpson, with whom he formed Simpson-Bruckheimer Productions in 1983, the producer set the trend for the big-budget, action/adventure films that dominated Hollywood's output throughout the 1980s and 90s. Their joint ventures included "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984) and "Top Gun" (1986), both among the 20 highest-grossing features of all time and both produced via the company's long-term deal with Paramount Pictures. Their pictures were honored with 15 Academy Award nominations, two Oscars for Best Song, four Grammys, and three Golden Globes. But after Simpson’s death in 1996, Bruckheimer ventured out on his own, scoring huge hits at the box office and in a new medium for the powerful film director— television.
Bruckheimer was born an only child on September 21, 1945 in Detroit, MI to German immigrant parents—his father was a manager for an exclusive clothing store and his mother was an accountant while maintaining the Bruckheimer home. Due to being slightly dyslexic, he was a slow reader, leading to lackluster student career. But he developed a passion for photography thanks to a fairly wealthy uncle who gave him hand-me-down cameras. From the time he was six, Bruckheimer was taking pictures, seeing the world differently than others. When in high school, he began printing his photos, winning several awards from Kodak and National Scholastics. A solid C-student, Bruckheimer moved on to the University of Arizona where he started studying dentistry, but quickly switched gears to psychology. His first job out of college was working in the mailroom of a New York ad agency, a job born from financial necessity rather than any burning desire to work in advertising. But when he heard that someone from his agency bolted from New York to forge a career making movies in Hollywood, Bruckheimer became determined to do likewise.
Bruckheimer moved to Los Angeles, CA in the early 1970s to make his mark as a producer, starting with an associate producer gig on the revisionist western “The Culpepper Cattle Company” (1972). In 1973, Bruckheimer met Simpson at a screening of “The Harder They Come” at Warner Bros., where he had been working. Though it would be several years before the two would work together, they became fast friends—Bruckheimer even stayed at Simpson’s Laurel Canyon home when he divorced from his first wife, Bonnie. After producing “Farewell, My Lovely” (1975) and “March or Die” (1977), Bruckheimer finally teamed up with Simpson on the Richard Gere-defining drama, “American Gigolo” (1980), a bleak, but redemptive look at a male prostitute (Gere) making a lucrative living hustling older—and wealthier—women in Los Angeles, only to be framed for the murder of a trick—a situation he can only get out of if he can convince a senator’s wife (Lauren Hutton) to provide an alibi.
After co-founding Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Productions in 1982, the two went to work on several high-concept films that redefined the business of Hollywood. In 1983, they made “Flashdance,” a high-flying drama about a female steel worker (Jennifer Beals) moonlighting as an exotic dancer with dreams of going to a real dance school. “Flashdance” became a sensation, taking in over $90 million at the box office after being shot on a modest $7.5 million budget. With the success of this iconic film, Simpson and Bruckheimer were rolling. Though their next effort, “Thief of Hearts” (1984), a cheap and cheesy thriller about a professional thief (Steven Bauer) who stumbles upon a woman’s diary and uses her private thoughts to seduce her, was easily forgettable, it would be their next project that made Bruckheimer and Simpson kings of Hollywood.
Though it was Simpson who first pitched the idea of “Beverly Hills Cop” back in 1977 when he was an executive at Paramount Studios, it took Bruckheimer’s cool business sense to finally make the fish-out-of-water story about a rough-and-tumble cop (Eddie Murphy) from Detroit forced to work with uppity Beverly Hills detectives. Again shot on a modest budget – only $14 million – “Beverly Hills Cop” took in a whopping $235 million at the box office, an astronomical sum in 1984, and defined what would become the action-comedy genre. But it was their next movie, “Top Gun” (1986), that put the producers over the top. Born when Bruckheimer found an article about naval flight schools and excitedly pointed it out to Simpson, “Top Gun”—the story of a maverick fighter pilot (Tom Cruise) who attends the top flight school and falls in love with his instructor (Kelly McGillis)—became a sensation, turning Cruise into the biggest star in the world. “Top Gun” took in $176 million at the box office, dealing Bruckheimer and Simpson yet another winner.
The producers returned to the well for “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1987), and though it proved less successful as its predecessor, Bruckheimer and Simpson were given an unprecedented production deal with Paramount: several hundred million dollars to finance movies, a large cut of the box office take, and no prior approval from the studio. The regret, however, was felt through the Paramount halls of power almost immediately with the release of “Days of Thunder” (1990), a disaster of a movie from start to finish. All indications prior to production indicated a massive hit: Tom Cruise starring in a race car movie—in effect, “Top Gun” on wheels. But cost overruns ballooned the budget from $45 million to $70 million. To make matters worse, aside from the constant rewrites to satisfy an unhappy star, Bruckheimer’s friend and producing partner—by then suffering from a crippling drug addiction—inserted himself as an actor, playing Italian NASCAR driver Aldo Benadetti (Simpson). “Days of Thunder” was an unmitigated disaster that served as a poignant lesson that many still remembered decades after the fact.
The ending of their deal with Paramount by "mutual agreement" at the end of 1990 was taken by many as the sign of a changing Hollywood mindset, with studios starting to put less emphasis on blockbuster productions and more on lower-budget films with smaller-minded subjects. Meanwhile, Bruckheimer and Simpson signed a non-exclusive, five-year deal with Disney subsidiary Hollywood Pictures in early 1991. The team were known to each other as "Mr. Inside" (Simpson) and "Mr. Outside" (Bruckheimer), the former having worked his way up through the Hollywood corporate structure and the latter drawing on a background of hands-on experience with the nuts and bolts of filmmaking.
Simpson-Bruckheimer seemed to be on a roll in 1995 with three successful films: the cop comedy "Bad Boys" with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence; Tony Scott's thriller "Crimson Tide" which pitted Denzel Washington against Gene Hackman, and "Dangerous Minds,” a fact-based drama about an inner-city schoolteacher (Michelle Pfeiffer). Behind the scenes, things were hardly pleasant. Simpson’s drug addiction was worsening and the bulk of the producing responsibilities fell to Bruckheimer. In December 1995, Bruckheimer confirmed the formal dissolution of Simpson-Bruckheimer Productions. Less than a month later, Simpson was found dead of natural causes at his Bel Air mansion. The last movie Bruckheimer produced with Simpson, "The Rock,” became the summer blockbuster of 1996, reestablishing Sean Connery as an action star and creating that image for Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage.
On his own in 1997, Bruckheimer produced "Con Air" (1997), another prison blockbuster featuring Cage as a reluctant hero. He followed up with the equally noisy, testosterone-soaked summer flick "Armageddon” (1998), which reunited the producer with Bruce Willis, the star of his moderately popular "The Last Boy Scout" (1991). The disaster flick also paired him for the first time with Ben Affleck, the handsome young actor who would star in his $135 million epic "Pearl Harbor" three years later (2001). Bruckheimer also began to venture into television production, first serving as executive producer of the 1996-97 ABC series based on "Dangerous Minds,” while "SOF: Special Ops Force/Soldier of Fortune, Inc." (1997-99) was a syndicated action series that followed a group of trained crime fighters. Bruckheimer served as executive producer of the popcorn TV-movie "Max Q: Emergency Landing" (ABC, 1998) involving the space shuttle and then switched gears with the politically-themed "Swing Vote" (ABC, 1999), which focused on a newly appointed Supreme Court justice confronting a controversial decision on abortion. The producer was back to the action genre with his second foray in network series, the 2000 CBS fall drama "C.S.I."
In 2000, Bruckheimer tackled an interesting array of big screen projects, some of which indicated Bruckheimer had an interest in broadening his horizons and taking a vacation from genre fare. In addition to the big-budget action-adventure film "Gone in 60 Seconds,” which starred Bruckheimer favorite Cage, the producer worked on the female-driven "Coyote Ugly,” a story about a young woman trying to make it as a singer, followed by "Remember the Titans,” starring Denzel Washington as a football coach dealing with racial strife. For the latter, the producer actually took a pay cut in order to insure its filming. In 2001, Bruckheimer created the reality show "The Amazing Race" where 11 teams race around the world performing various tasks in a quest to win $1 million. The show became an instant hit, spawning numerous sequels.
Returning to the feature world, Bruckheimer collaborated once again with director Michael Bay on “Pearl Harbor” (2001), a sweeping, but sappy telling of the Japanese surprise attack that pulled the United States into World War II. At the time the most expensive film ever green-lit by a studio, “Pearl Harbor” boasted of impressive battle scenes, thanks to Bay’s typically deft handling of action sequences. But the majority of the film was weighed down by an insipid love affair between a naval pilot itching for action (Ben Affleck) and a base nurse (Kate Beckinsale)—the lackluster chemistry between the two leads was almost as destructive as the Japanese bombers. Nonetheless, “Pearl Harbor” took in close to $200 million in domestic box office alone.
His next true-to-life war film, “Black Hawk Down” (2001), faired much better with critics. Director Ridley Scott crafted a gritty and realistic film about the ill-fated humanitarian mission in Somalia on October 3, 1993 that left 70 soldiers wounded and 18 dead. Bruckheimer’s next project, “Bad Company” (2002), was a buddy action-comedy about a veteran CIA agent (Anthony Hopkins) who must transform a sarcastic, street-wise punk (Chris Rock) into a savvy spy to replace his murdered twin brother to negotiate a sensitive nuclear weapons deal. “Bad Company” promised laughs from the unusual pairing of the two leads, but ultimately failed to please critics and audiences alike.
Bruckheimer continued to make quality television for the 2002-03 season, producing “Without A Trace” (CBS, 2002- ), a procedural drama about the FBI’s Missing Persons Department, and the spin-off “CSI: Miami” (CBS, 2002- ), about a team of forensic investigators in the palmed city. He toned-down his approach for his next film, “Veronica Guerin” (2003), a true-life telling of the fearsome Irish journalist (Cate Blanchett) who investigated and exposed Dublin drug gangs at great person risk—a rare small, independent feature that barely cracked seven figures at the box office. But his next project, “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003), was a rare combination of box office smash and critical darling. The swashbuckling adventure centered on the roguish, but charming Captain Jack Sparrow (played by Johnny Depp in an Oscar-nominated performance) who teams up a young man (Orlando Bloom) to rescue the Governor’s beautiful daughter (Keira Knightley) from Sparrow’s nemesis, Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). “Pirates of the Caribbean” surprised many critics for being an entertaining—albeit lengthy—thrill ride, while taking in a considerable bounty at the box office.
Bruckheimer’s next feature, “Kangaroo Jack” (2002), a dopey kids’ comedy about two petty crooks (Jerry O’Connell and Anthony Anderson) who track down a kangaroo after it makes off with a large amount of cash, was panned by most critics for being too stupid to exist. He returned to the well for “Bad Boys II” (2003), the high-impact action sequel that reunited Martin Lawrence and Will Smith as two Miami narcotics agents chasing after a ruthless drug lord (Jordi Molla) determined to expand his empire and take control of the city’s drug trade, murdering anyone who gets in his way. Bruckheimer then produced the short-lived hour-long drama, “Skin” (Fox, 2003-2004), a modern-day “Romeo and Juliet” set in the Los Angeles porn industry, and the more popular “Cold Case” (CBS, 2003- ), a Sunday night ratings hit about a Philadelphia homicide detective (Kathryn Morris) assigned to reopen and investigate unsolved murders. In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Bruckheimer and his team produced “Profiles from the Front Lines” (ABC, 2003), a reality series that followed U.S. troops as they fought terrorism in Afghanistan, the Philippines and South America. The show was canceled, however, due to sensitivities that arose from second Iraq War, leaving three episodes unaired.
Back in features, Bruckheimer put his stamp on “National Treasure” (2004), a flashy, but plodding global romp about an archeologist (Nicolas Cage) who steals the Declaration of Independence because he suspects it has an invisible map leading to the famed Knights Templar Treasure on the back. Though critics were less than enthusiastic, “National Treasure” managed to attract a significant crowd to theaters and performed well at the box office. His next feature project, “King Arthur” (2004), proved to be a rare misfire for the producer. Half-legend, half-history, the filmmakers struggled to give validity to the mythical British king, but forgot to craft a strong story or develop interesting characters. What resulted was a bland—albeit visually interesting—historical drama that tried to mimic “Braveheart” but without the action, romance and three-dimensional characters. Brushed aside by critics, “King Arthur” bombed at the domestic box office, but managed to find an audience overseas. Meanwhile, Bruckheimer developed another television spin-off, “CSI: New York” (CBS, 2004- ), the second procedural to derive from the original. And like the others, the series proved to be a solid ratings winner.
His next television project, “E-Ring” (NBC, 2005-06), was a character-driven drama set inside the Pentagon that pitted the military brass against civilian politicians in decisions on war and peace. The project failed to capture a strong audience and network placed the show on permanent hiatus. His next show, “Just Legal” (WB, 2005), a one-hour drama about a jaded, middle-aged lawyer (Don Johnson) who takes as a partner a 19-year-old idealistic prodigy (Jay Baruchel) straight out of law school, lasted a mere three episodes before it was canceled. “Close to Home” (CBS, 2005- ), another legal drama, faired better than “Just Legal” by virtue of the more universal premise of a female prosecutor struggling to build cases against criminals and balance her life at home as a new mother. In the feature world, Bruckheimer produced “Glory Road” (2006), the inspirational true-life telling of the 1966 Texas Western Miners who made NCAA history thanks to their charismatic coach (Josh Lucas), whose will to win with heart, determination and self-respect helped break down racial barriers. Meanwhile, Bruckheimer was set to release the much-anticipated sequel, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” (2006), the continuing tale of Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), who is indebted to the legendary Davey Jones (Bill Nighy)—a fate he must escape in quick time or be doomed to eternal damnation in the afterlife. A third installment, “Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End" (2007), was shot simultaneously with the second part, and was released to much fanfare in May 2007, wrapping up the multi-million dollar franchise.
Profession(s):
producer, advertising executive, mailroom worker
Sometimes Credited As:
Family
step-daughter:Alexandra Balahoutis
wife:Bonnie Bruckheimer (divorced)
wife:Linda Bruckheimer (second wife)
Education
University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona BA psychology
Awards
Emmy Award Outstanding Reality/Competition Program "Amazing Race" 2008
Emmy Outstanding Reality/Competition Program "Amazing Race" 2007
Producers Guild of America Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television 2007
Emmy Outstanding Reality/Competition Program "Amazing Race" 2006
Emmy Outstanding Reality/Competition Program "Amazing Race" 2005
National Board of Review Producers Award 2004
Albert R. Broccoli Award Excellence in Filmmaking 2002
Producers Guild of America David O. Selznick Lifetime Achievement Award 2000
NATO/ShoWest Producer of the Year Award 1999
NATO/ShoWest International Boxoffice Achievement Award 1998
NATO Producer of the Year Award 1988
Publicists Guild of America Motion Picture Showmen of the Year Award 1988
NATO Producer of the Year Award 1985
Milestones
2004 Produced "King Arthur" with Clive Owen and Keira Knightley
2004 Executive Produced "CSI: New York" starring Gary Sinise and Melina Kanakaredes
2003 Produced the film, "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," based on the popular ride at Disneyland
2002 Was producer of the Joel Schumacher-directed action comedy "Bad Company"
2002 Produced the comedy "Down and Under", helmed by "Coyote Ugly" director David McNally
2001 Acted as producer on the $140-plus million epic "Pearl Harbor", helmed by Bay; forfeited salary so more money could be spent on production's special effects
2001 Was executive producer of the fall CBS reality game show "The Amazing Race"; network reportedly made a 13-episode commitment
2001 Produced the Ridley Scott directed film, "Black Hawk Down," based events that occurred during a 1993 US raid on Somalia
2000 Produced "Gone in 60 Seconds," starring Cage and Angelina Jolie
2000 Executive produced the hit CBS drama "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"
1999 Executive produced the atypical political drama "Swing Vote" (ABC)
1998 Produced the summer blockbuster "Armageddon", starring Willis and directed by Bay, and the successful fall techno-thriller "Enemy of the State", reteaming with Scott, Hackman and Smith
1998 Served as executive producer of the ABC movie "Max Q: Emergency Landing"
1997 Formed Jerry Bruckheimer Films
1997 Renewed production deal with Disney to run through 2002
1997 Produced second Cage action vehicle, "Con Air", directed by Simon West
1996 First collaboration with Michael Bay and Will Smith, "Bad Boys"
1996 First collaboration with Nicolas Cage in "The Rock", directed by Bay
1996 - 1997 Was an executive producer of the ABC series adaptation of "Dangerous Minds"
1995 Formally dissolved Simpson-Bruckeimer partnership one month before Simpson's death in January 1996
1995 Produced "Crimson Tide", directed by Scott and starring Gene Hackman
1991 Bruckheimer-Simpson signed non-exclusive, five-year, five-picture deal with Disney subsidiary, Hollywood Pictures (January)
1991 First film with Bruce Willis "The Last Boy Scout", directed by Scott
1990 Signed second five-year production deal with Paramount
1990 Contract between Bruckheimer-Simpson and Paramount ended by "mutual agreement" (November)
1990 Reteamed with Cruise and Scott for "Days of Thunder"
1985 Co-produced "Top Gun", which solidified Tom Cruise as a star; first collaboration with director Tony Scott
1984 Acted as co-producer on "Beverly Hills Cop", which made Eddie Murphy a star
1983 Co-founded Simpson-Bruckheimer Productions with Don Simpson; signed exclusive five-year production deal with Paramount Pictures
1983 First joint production credit with Don Simpson, "Flashdance"
1982 Debut as executive producer, the remake of "Cat People"
1975 First producing credit, "Farewell, My Lovely" (with Dick Richards)
1972 Initial film as associate producer, "The Culpepper Cattle Company"
1968 Hired by BBD&O Agency in NYC; designed campaigns for clients like Coca Cola (date approximate)
Took up still photography in high school
Began career in advertising in Detroit; received attention for a terrific Pontiac commercial he made which spoofed "Bonnie and Clyde"
Served as executive producer of the syndicated series "Soldier of Fortune, Inc/SOF: Special Ops Force"
Produced "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (2006) and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (2007)
Filmography
A Cup of Tea - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Affirmative Action - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Apaches - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Ballers - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Beware the Night - ( Producer / / Announced / )
C. R. U. S. H. - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Captain Kidd - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Chasing the Party - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Coyote Ugly 2 - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Game Boys - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Gemini Man - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Golden Boy - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Harms Way - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Higher Education - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Jihadists in Paradise - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Knife to the Hilt - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Love Hurts - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Micronauts - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Nest - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Nine Lives (Walt Disney Co.) - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Nutty Nut (Remake) - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Once Upon a Distant War - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Oz (Bruckheimer/Carbon 6) - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Red World - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Signature - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Silent Thunder - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Tandem Couple - ( Producer / / Announced / )
The Bureau and the Mole - ( Producer / / Announced / )
The Increment - ( Producer / / Announced / )
The Listener - ( Producer / / Announced / )
The Lone Ranger - ( Producer / / Announced / )
The Monstrous Memoirs of a Mighty McFearless - ( Producer / / Announced / )
The Rock Star - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Tom and Wild Bill - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Trail of the Tiger - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Trail of the Tiger - ( Director / / Announced / )
Unnatural History - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Untitled (David Protess/Rob Warden project) - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Untitled (Disney/King/Marx Project) - ( Producer / / Announced / )
WILD HORSES (Ben Myron Productions) - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Witness to the Truth - ( Producer / / Announced / )
You Need Therapy - ( Producer / / Announced / )
Confessions of a Shopaholic - ( Producer / 2009 / Lensing/Awaiting Release / )
G-Force - ( Producer / 2009 / Lensing/Awaiting Release / )
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - ( Producer / 2009 / Lensing/Awaiting Release / )
In Search of Ted Demme - ( - Himself / / Lensing/Awaiting Release / )
National Treasure: Book of Secrets - ( Producer / 2007 / Released / )
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - ( Producer / 2007 / Released / )
Deja Vu - ( Producer / 2006 / Released / )
Glory Road - ( Producer / 2006 / Released / )
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - ( Producer / 2006 / Released / )
King Arthur - ( Producer / 2004 / Released / )
National Treasure - ( Producer / 2004 / Released / Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment )
Bad Boys II - ( Producer / 2003 / Released / )
Kangaroo Jack - ( Producer / 2003 / Released / )
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl - ( Producer / 2003 / Released / )
Veronica Guerin - ( Producer / 2003 / Released / )
Bad Company - ( Producer / 2002 / Released / )
Black Hawk Down - ( Producer / 2001 / Released / )
Pearl Harbor - ( Producer / 2001 / Released / )
Coyote Ugly - ( Producer / 2000 / Released / )
Gone in 60 Seconds - ( Producer / 2000 / Released / )
Remember the Titans - ( Producer / 2000 / Released / )
Armageddon - ( Producer / 1998 / Released / )
Enemy of the State - ( Producer / 1998 / Released / )
Franky Goes to Hollywood - ( / 1998 / Released / )
Con Air - ( Producer / 1997 / Released / Village Roadshow Pictures Worldwide )
The Rock - ( Producer / 1996 / Released / )
Bad Boys - ( Producer / 1995 / Released / )
Crimson Tide - ( Producer / 1995 / Released / )
Dangerous Minds - ( Producer / 1995 / Released / )
The Ref - ( Executive Producer / 1994 / Released / )
Days of Thunder - ( Producer / 1990 / Released / )
Beverly Hills Cop II - ( Producer / 1987 / Released / )
Top Gun - ( Producer / 1986 / Released / )
Beverly Hills Cop - ( Producer / 1984 / Released / CIC Taft Video )
Thief of Hearts - ( Producer / 1984 / Released / )
Flashdance - ( Producer / 1983 / Released / )
Cat People - ( Executive Producer / 1982 / Released / )
Young Doctors in Love - ( Producer / 1982 / Released / )
Thief - ( Producer / 1981 / Released / )
American Gigolo - ( Producer / 1980 / Released / Paramount Pictures )
Defiance - ( Producer / 1980 / Released / )
March Or Die - ( Producer / 1977 / Released / )
Farewell, My Lovely - ( Producer / 1975 / Released / )
The Culpepper Cattle Company - ( Associate Producer / 1972 / Released / )
TV Credits
Eleventh Hour ( 2008 / Lensing/Awaiting Release ): Executive Producer
The Amazing Race 13 ( 2008 / Announced ): Executive Producer
The Amazing Race 12 ( 2007 / Released ): Executive Producer
The Final Push ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Sorry, Guys, I'm Not Happy to See You ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
I Just Hope He Doesn't Croak On Us ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Honestly, They Have Witch Powers or Something! ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
This is Forever, Now ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 6 more)
The Amazing Race: All-Stars ( 2007 / Released ): Executive Producer
Low to the Ground, That's My Technique ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Oh My God, the Teletubbies Go to War ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Good Doing Business With You ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
We Are Trying To Make Love, Not War ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Way You Look, Yeah ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 8 more)
Justice ( 2006 / Released ): Executive Producer
Christmas Party ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Prior Convictions ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Filicide ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Shotgun ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Shark Week ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 7 more)
Modern Men ( 2006 / Released ): Executive Producer
Give 'til You Learn ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Homewrecker ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Kyle Dates Up ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Timmy, Can You Hear Me? ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Breakup ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 1 more)
The Amazing Race 10 ( 2006 / Released ): Executive Producer
Say Your Deepest Prayers Ever ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Dude, I'm Such a Hot Giant Chick Right Now! ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
We Just Won't Die, Like Roaches ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Lookin' Like A Blue-Haired Lady On A Sunday Drive ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Being Polite Sucks Sometimes ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 8 more)
The Amazing Race 9 ( 2006 / Released ): Executive Producer
5 Continents...10 Countries...And More than 59 Thousand Miles! ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
I Think This Monkey Likes Me! ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Man They Should Have Used Fake Names ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Do You Know How Much Running I Did Today, Phil? ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Here Comes the Bedouin! ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 7 more)
Amazing Race: Family Edition ( 2005 / Released ): Executive Producer
25 Days, 50 Cities and More Than 600 Consecutive Hours as a Family ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Family Christmas Card ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Don't Talk to Me Like I was an Animal or Something ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
How's That Face Feel? ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
You Look Ridiculous ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 6 more)
Close to Home ( 2005 / Released ): Executive Producer
Eminent Domain ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Fall from Grace ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Drink the Cup ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Maternal Instinct ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Making Amends ( 2007 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 35 more)
E-Ring ( 2005 / Released ): Executive Producer
The General ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
War Crimes ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Breath of Allah ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Christmas Story ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Forgotten ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 9 more)
Just Legal ( 2005 / Released ): Executive Producer
The Bar ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Code ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Rainmaker ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Heater ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Body in the Trunk ( 2006 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 3 more)
The Amazing Race 7 ( 2005 / Released ): Executive Producer
5 Continents, 25 Cities and More Than 40,000 Miles ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Devil Made Me Do It ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
We Got a Gnome! We Got a Gnome! ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
We Have a Bad Elephant ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Mow 'Em Down Like Grass ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 7 more)
CSI: New York ( 2004 / Released ): Executive Producer
Veritas ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Hostage ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Taxi ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Personal Foul ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Admissions ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 88 more)
The Amazing Race 5 ( 2004 / Released ): Executive Producer
You've Just Made Me A Millionaire ( 2004 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
It's Okay, Run Them Over! ( 2004 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
They're Screwing The Helmet To My Head - It Can't Be Good ( 2004 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
If You're Gonna Whine, Just Shut up! ( 2004 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
I'm Going To Jail ( 2004 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 7 more)
The Amazing Race 6 ( 2004 / Released ): Executive Producer
4 Continents, 24 Cities, 40,000 Miles ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
You Deal With This Before I Hyperventilate ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
It Always Comes Down To The Details ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Are There Instructions on Donkey Handling? ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Tell Mom I Love Her ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 7 more)
The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing ( 2004 / Released ): Actor
TV Land Moguls ( 2004 / Released ): Actor
3rd Annual DVD Exclusive Awards ( 2003 / Released ): Actor
Cold Case ( 2003 / Released ): Executive Producer
Ghost of My Child ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Slipping ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Bad Reputation ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Road ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Andy in C Minor ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 101 more)
E! Entertainer of the Year 2003 ( 2003 / Released ): Actor
Profiles From the Front Line ( 2003 / Released ): Executive Producer
Reel Comedy: Bad Boys II ( 2003 / Released ): Actor
Skin ( 2003 / Released ): Executive Producer
True Lies ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Family Values ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Blowback ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Fidelity ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Amber Synn ( 2005 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 3 more)
The Amazing Race 4 ( 2003 / Released ): Executive Producer
It's Like Adam Building His First House! ( 2003 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
He's a Few Ticks Away From Having a Heart Attack! ( 2003 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Such a Nice Phermone Smell to You; Just Makes Me Want to Stay Close to You! ( 2003 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
That's Me. That's My Face. Just Hit My Face. Hit My Face! ( 2003 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
We're Not at Charm School Learning to be a Gentleman, We're Racing ( 2003 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 8 more)
Will Smith VH1 Movie Special: Bad Boys II ( 2003 / Released ): Actor
CSI: Miami ( 2002 / Released ): Executive Producer
Resurrection ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Going Ballistic ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Down to the Wire ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Rock and a Hard Place ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Tunnel Vision ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 135 more)
Hollywood Salutes Nicolas Cage: An American Cinematheque Tribute ( 2002 / Released ): Actor
The Amazing Race 2 ( 2002 / Released ): Executive Producer
Follow That Plane ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
It's Hammer Time ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Ready to Lose Our Lives ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
I'm Not A Miner! No, You're an Idiot! ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
I'm Gonna Throw Up On Phil's Shoes ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 6 more)
The Amazing Race 3 ( 2002 / Released ): Executive Producer
They're Slithering to the Finish Line Like the Rest of Us! ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Don't Try to Play the Moralist Now! ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Why Did You Have to Take Your Pants Off?! ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
This is More Important Than Your Pants Falling ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
I'm Supposed to be Indepted to Her for the Rest of the Race? ( 2002 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 6 more)
Without A Trace ( 2002 / Released ): Executive Producer
Closure ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Satellites ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Driven ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
A Dollar and a Dream ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Deja Vu ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 131 more)
Pearl Harbor: A Journey to the Screen ( 2001 / Released ): Actor
The Amazing Race ( 2001 / Released ): Executive Producer
Race to the Finish, Part II ( 2001 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Race to the Finish, Part I ( 2001 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Fight to the Last Minute ( 2001 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
To the Physical and Mental Limit ( 2001 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Unexpected Twist ( 2001 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 8 more)
The Inside Reel: Digital Filmmaking ( 2001 / Released ): Actor
What Is a Producer? ( 2001 / Released ): Actor
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation ( 2000 / Released ): Executive Producer
For Gedda ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Two and a Half Deaths ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
The Theory of Everything ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
Drop's Out ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
A Thousand Days on Earth ( 2008 )
TV Episode Executive Producer
( 173 more)
Swing Vote ( 1999 / Released ): Executive Producer
Armageddon: Target Earth ( 1998 / Released ): Actor
Max Q ( 1998 / Released ): Executive Producer
S.O.F. Special Ops Force ( 1997 / Released ): Executive Producer
Dangerous Minds ( 1996 / Released ): Executive Producer
Naked Hollywood ( 1991 / Released ): Actor
The New Hollywood ( 1990 / Released ): Actor
The Amazing Race 14 ( Announced ): Executive Producer
Full Biography
A former advertising executive who moved into film production in the early 1970s, Jerry Bruckheimer has given audiences movies, videos and soundtracks that have topped $11 billion in grosses to date. Together with the late Don Simpson, with whom he formed Simpson-Bruckheimer Productions in 1983, the producer set the trend for the big-budget, action/adventure films that dominated Hollywood's output throughout the 1980s and 90s. Their joint ventures included "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984) and "Top Gun" (1986), both among the 20 highest-grossing features of all time and both produced via the company's long-term deal with Paramount Pictures. Their pictures were honored with 15 Academy Award nominations, two Oscars for Best Song, four Grammys, and three Golden Globes. But after Simpson’s death in 1996, Bruckheimer ventured out on his own, scoring huge hits at the box office and in a new medium for the powerful film director— television.
Bruckheimer was born an only child on September 21, 1945 in Detroit, MI to German immigrant parents—his father was a manager for an exclusive clothing store and his mother was an accountant while maintaining the Bruckheimer home. Due to being slightly dyslexic, he was a slow reader, leading to lackluster student career. But he developed a passion for photography thanks to a fairly wealthy uncle who gave him hand-me-down cameras. From the time he was six, Bruckheimer was taking pictures, seeing the world differently than others. When in high school, he began printing his photos, winning several awards from Kodak and National Scholastics. A solid C-student, Bruckheimer moved on to the University of Arizona where he started studying dentistry, but quickly switched gears to psychology. His first job out of college was working in the mailroom of a New York ad agency, a job born from financial necessity rather than any burning desire to work in advertising. But when he heard that someone from his agency bolted from New York to forge a career making movies in Hollywood, Bruckheimer became determined to do likewise.
Bruckheimer moved to Los Angeles, CA in the early 1970s to make his mark as a producer, starting with an associate producer gig on the revisionist western “The Culpepper Cattle Company” (1972). In 1973, Bruckheimer met Simpson at a screening of “The Harder They Come” at Warner Bros., where he had been working. Though it would be several years before the two would work together, they became fast friends—Bruckheimer even stayed at Simpson’s Laurel Canyon home when he divorced from his first wife, Bonnie. After producing “Farewell, My Lovely” (1975) and “March or Die” (1977), Bruckheimer finally teamed up with Simpson on the Richard Gere-defining drama, “American Gigolo” (1980), a bleak, but redemptive look at a male prostitute (Gere) making a lucrative living hustling older—and wealthier—women in Los Angeles, only to be framed for the murder of a trick—a situation he can only get out of if he can convince a senator’s wife (Lauren Hutton) to provide an alibi.
After co-founding Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Productions in 1982, the two went to work on several high-concept films that redefined the business of Hollywood. In 1983, they made “Flashdance,” a high-flying drama about a female steel worker (Jennifer Beals) moonlighting as an exotic dancer with dreams of going to a real dance school. “Flashdance” became a sensation, taking in over $90 million at the box office after being shot on a modest $7.5 million budget. With the success of this iconic film, Simpson and Bruckheimer were rolling. Though their next effort, “Thief of Hearts” (1984), a cheap and cheesy thriller about a professional thief (Steven Bauer) who stumbles upon a woman’s diary and uses her private thoughts to seduce her, was easily forgettable, it would be their next project that made Bruckheimer and Simpson kings of Hollywood.
Though it was Simpson who first pitched the idea of “Beverly Hills Cop” back in 1977 when he was an executive at Paramount Studios, it took Bruckheimer’s cool business sense to finally make the fish-out-of-water story about a rough-and-tumble cop (Eddie Murphy) from Detroit forced to work with uppity Beverly Hills detectives. Again shot on a modest budget – only $14 million – “Beverly Hills Cop” took in a whopping $235 million at the box office, an astronomical sum in 1984, and defined what would become the action-comedy genre. But it was their next movie, “Top Gun” (1986), that put the producers over the top. Born when Bruckheimer found an article about naval flight schools and excitedly pointed it out to Simpson, “Top Gun”—the story of a maverick fighter pilot (Tom Cruise) who attends the top flight school and falls in love with his instructor (Kelly McGillis)—became a sensation, turning Cruise into the biggest star in the world. “Top Gun” took in $176 million at the box office, dealing Bruckheimer and Simpson yet another winner.
The producers returned to the well for “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1987), and though it proved less successful as its predecessor, Bruckheimer and Simpson were given an unprecedented production deal with Paramount: several hundred million dollars to finance movies, a large cut of the box office take, and no prior approval from the studio. The regret, however, was felt through the Paramount halls of power almost immediately with the release of “Days of Thunder” (1990), a disaster of a movie from start to finish. All indications prior to production indicated a massive hit: Tom Cruise starring in a race car movie—in effect, “Top Gun” on wheels. But cost overruns ballooned the budget from $45 million to $70 million. To make matters worse, aside from the constant rewrites to satisfy an unhappy star, Bruckheimer’s friend and producing partner—by then suffering from a crippling drug addiction—inserted himself as an actor, playing Italian NASCAR driver Aldo Benadetti (Simpson). “Days of Thunder” was an unmitigated disaster that served as a poignant lesson that many still remembered decades after the fact.
The ending of their deal with Paramount by "mutual agreement" at the end of 1990 was taken by many as the sign of a changing Hollywood mindset, with studios starting to put less emphasis on blockbuster productions and more on lower-budget films with smaller-minded subjects. Meanwhile, Bruckheimer and Simpson signed a non-exclusive, five-year deal with Disney subsidiary Hollywood Pictures in early 1991. The team were known to each other as "Mr. Inside" (Simpson) and "Mr. Outside" (Bruckheimer), the former having worked his way up through the Hollywood corporate structure and the latter drawing on a background of hands-on experience with the nuts and bolts of filmmaking.
Simpson-Bruckheimer seemed to be on a roll in 1995 with three successful films: the cop comedy "Bad Boys" with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence; Tony Scott's thriller "Crimson Tide" which pitted Denzel Washington against Gene Hackman, and "Dangerous Minds,” a fact-based drama about an inner-city schoolteacher (Michelle Pfeiffer). Behind the scenes, things were hardly pleasant. Simpson’s drug addiction was worsening and the bulk of the producing responsibilities fell to Bruckheimer. In December 1995, Bruckheimer confirmed the formal dissolution of Simpson-Bruckheimer Productions. Less than a month later, Simpson was found dead of natural causes at his Bel Air mansion. The last movie Bruckheimer produced with Simpson, "The Rock,” became the summer blockbuster of 1996, reestablishing Sean Connery as an action star and creating that image for Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage.
On his own in 1997, Bruckheimer produced "Con Air" (1997), another prison blockbuster featuring Cage as a reluctant hero. He followed up with the equally noisy, testosterone-soaked summer flick "Armageddon” (1998), which reunited the producer with Bruce Willis, the star of his moderately popular "The Last Boy Scout" (1991). The disaster flick also paired him for the first time with Ben Affleck, the handsome young actor who would star in his $135 million epic "Pearl Harbor" three years later (2001). Bruckheimer also began to venture into television production, first serving as executive producer of the 1996-97 ABC series based on "Dangerous Minds,” while "SOF: Special Ops Force/Soldier of Fortune, Inc." (1997-99) was a syndicated action series that followed a group of trained crime fighters. Bruckheimer served as executive producer of the popcorn TV-movie "Max Q: Emergency Landing" (ABC, 1998) involving the space shuttle and then switched gears with the politically-themed "Swing Vote" (ABC, 1999), which focused on a newly appointed Supreme Court justice confronting a controversial decision on abortion. The producer was back to the action genre with his second foray in network series, the 2000 CBS fall drama "C.S.I."
In 2000, Bruckheimer tackled an interesting array of big screen projects, some of which indicated Bruckheimer had an interest in broadening his horizons and taking a vacation from genre fare. In addition to the big-budget action-adventure film "Gone in 60 Seconds,” which starred Bruckheimer favorite Cage, the producer worked on the female-driven "Coyote Ugly,” a story about a young woman trying to make it as a singer, followed by "Remember the Titans,” starring Denzel Washington as a football coach dealing with racial strife. For the latter, the producer actually took a pay cut in order to insure its filming. In 2001, Bruckheimer created the reality show "The Amazing Race" where 11 teams race around the world performing various tasks in a quest to win $1 million. The show became an instant hit, spawning numerous sequels.
Returning to the feature world, Bruckheimer collaborated once again with director Michael Bay on “Pearl Harbor” (2001), a sweeping, but sappy telling of the Japanese surprise attack that pulled the United States into World War II. At the time the most expensive film ever green-lit by a studio, “Pearl Harbor” boasted of impressive battle scenes, thanks to Bay’s typically deft handling of action sequences. But the majority of the film was weighed down by an insipid love affair between a naval pilot itching for action (Ben Affleck) and a base nurse (Kate Beckinsale)—the lackluster chemistry between the two leads was almost as destructive as the Japanese bombers. Nonetheless, “Pearl Harbor” took in close to $200 million in domestic box office alone.
His next true-to-life war film, “Black Hawk Down” (2001), faired much better with critics. Director Ridley Scott crafted a gritty and realistic film about the ill-fated humanitarian mission in Somalia on October 3, 1993 that left 70 soldiers wounded and 18 dead. Bruckheimer’s next project, “Bad Company” (2002), was a buddy action-comedy about a veteran CIA agent (Anthony Hopkins) who must transform a sarcastic, street-wise punk (Chris Rock) into a savvy spy to replace his murdered twin brother to negotiate a sensitive nuclear weapons deal. “Bad Company” promised laughs from the unusual pairing of the two leads, but ultimately failed to please critics and audiences alike.
Bruckheimer continued to make quality television for the 2002-03 season, producing “Without A Trace” (CBS, 2002- ), a procedural drama about the FBI’s Missing Persons Department, and the spin-off “CSI: Miami” (CBS, 2002- ), about a team of forensic investigators in the palmed city. He toned-down his approach for his next film, “Veronica Guerin” (2003), a true-life telling of the fearsome Irish journalist (Cate Blanchett) who investigated and exposed Dublin drug gangs at great person risk—a rare small, independent feature that barely cracked seven figures at the box office. But his next project, “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003), was a rare combination of box office smash and critical darling. The swashbuckling adventure centered on the roguish, but charming Captain Jack Sparrow (played by Johnny Depp in an Oscar-nominated performance) who teams up a young man (Orlando Bloom) to rescue the Governor’s beautiful daughter (Keira Knightley) from Sparrow’s nemesis, Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). “Pirates of the Caribbean” surprised many critics for being an entertaining—albeit lengthy—thrill ride, while taking in a considerable bounty at the box office.
Bruckheimer’s next feature, “Kangaroo Jack” (2002), a dopey kids’ comedy about two petty crooks (Jerry O’Connell and Anthony Anderson) who track down a kangaroo after it makes off with a large amount of cash, was panned by most critics for being too stupid to exist. He returned to the well for “Bad Boys II” (2003), the high-impact action sequel that reunited Martin Lawrence and Will Smith as two Miami narcotics agents chasing after a ruthless drug lord (Jordi Molla) determined to expand his empire and take control of the city’s drug trade, murdering anyone who gets in his way. Bruckheimer then produced the short-lived hour-long drama, “Skin” (Fox, 2003-2004), a modern-day “Romeo and Juliet” set in the Los Angeles porn industry, and the more popular “Cold Case” (CBS, 2003- ), a Sunday night ratings hit about a Philadelphia homicide detective (Kathryn Morris) assigned to reopen and investigate unsolved murders. In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Bruckheimer and his team produced “Profiles from the Front Lines” (ABC, 2003), a reality series that followed U.S. troops as they fought terrorism in Afghanistan, the Philippines and South America. The show was canceled, however, due to sensitivities that arose from second Iraq War, leaving three episodes unaired.
Back in features, Bruckheimer put his stamp on “National Treasure” (2004), a flashy, but plodding global romp about an archeologist (Nicolas Cage) who steals the Declaration of Independence because he suspects it has an invisible map leading to the famed Knights Templar Treasure on the back. Though critics were less than enthusiastic, “National Treasure” managed to attract a significant crowd to theaters and performed well at the box office. His next feature project, “King Arthur” (2004), proved to be a rare misfire for the producer. Half-legend, half-history, the filmmakers struggled to give validity to the mythical British king, but forgot to craft a strong story or develop interesting characters. What resulted was a bland—albeit visually interesting—historical drama that tried to mimic “Braveheart” but without the action, romance and three-dimensional characters. Brushed aside by critics, “King Arthur” bombed at the domestic box office, but managed to find an audience overseas. Meanwhile, Bruckheimer developed another television spin-off, “CSI: New York” (CBS, 2004- ), the second procedural to derive from the original. And like the others, the series proved to be a solid ratings winner.
His next television project, “E-Ring” (NBC, 2005-06), was a character-driven drama set inside the Pentagon that pitted the military brass against civilian politicians in decisions on war and peace. The project failed to capture a strong audience and network placed the show on permanent hiatus. His next show, “Just Legal” (WB, 2005), a one-hour drama about a jaded, middle-aged lawyer (Don Johnson) who takes as a partner a 19-year-old idealistic prodigy (Jay Baruchel) straight out of law school, lasted a mere three episodes before it was canceled. “Close to Home” (CBS, 2005- ), another legal drama, faired better than “Just Legal” by virtue of the more universal premise of a female prosecutor struggling to build cases against criminals and balance her life at home as a new mother. In the feature world, Bruckheimer produced “Glory Road” (2006), the inspirational true-life telling of the 1966 Texas Western Miners who made NCAA history thanks to their charismatic coach (Josh Lucas), whose will to win with heart, determination and self-respect helped break down racial barriers. Meanwhile, Bruckheimer was set to release the much-anticipated sequel, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” (2006), the continuing tale of Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), who is indebted to the legendary Davey Jones (Bill Nighy)—a fate he must escape in quick time or be doomed to eternal damnation in the afterlife. A third installment, “Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End" (2007), was shot simultaneously with the second part, and was released to much fanfare in May 2007, wrapping up the multi-million dollar franchise.
Profession(s):
producer, advertising executive, mailroom worker
Sometimes Credited As:
Family
step-daughter:Alexandra Balahoutis
wife:Bonnie Bruckheimer (divorced)
wife:Linda Bruckheimer (second wife)
Education
University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona BA psychology
Awards
Emmy Award Outstanding Reality/Competition Program "Amazing Race" 2008
Emmy Outstanding Reality/Competition Program "Amazing Race" 2007
Producers Guild of America Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television 2007
Emmy Outstanding Reality/Competition Program "Amazing Race" 2006
Emmy Outstanding Reality/Competition Program "Amazing Race" 2005
National Board of Review Producers Award 2004
Albert R. Broccoli Award Excellence in Filmmaking 2002
Producers Guild of America David O. Selznick Lifetime Achievement Award 2000
NATO/ShoWest Producer of the Year Award 1999
NATO/ShoWest International Boxoffice Achievement Award 1998
NATO Producer of the Year Award 1988
Publicists Guild of America Motion Picture Showmen of the Year Award 1988
NATO Producer of the Year Award 1985
Milestones
2004 Produced "King Arthur" with Clive Owen and Keira Knightley
2004 Executive Produced "CSI: New York" starring Gary Sinise and Melina Kanakaredes
2003 Produced the film, "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," based on the popular ride at Disneyland
2002 Was producer of the Joel Schumacher-directed action comedy "Bad Company"
2002 Produced the comedy "Down and Under", helmed by "Coyote Ugly" director David McNally
2001 Acted as producer on the $140-plus million epic "Pearl Harbor", helmed by Bay; forfeited salary so more money could be spent on production's special effects
2001 Was executive producer of the fall CBS reality game show "The Amazing Race"; network reportedly made a 13-episode commitment
2001 Produced the Ridley Scott directed film, "Black Hawk Down," based events that occurred during a 1993 US raid on Somalia
2000 Produced "Gone in 60 Seconds," starring Cage and Angelina Jolie
2000 Executive produced the hit CBS drama "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"
1999 Executive produced the atypical political drama "Swing Vote" (ABC)
1998 Produced the summer blockbuster "Armageddon", starring Willis and directed by Bay, and the successful fall techno-thriller "Enemy of the State", reteaming with Scott, Hackman and Smith
1998 Served as executive producer of the ABC movie "Max Q: Emergency Landing"
1997 Formed Jerry Bruckheimer Films
1997 Renewed production deal with Disney to run through 2002
1997 Produced second Cage action vehicle, "Con Air", directed by Simon West
1996 First collaboration with Michael Bay and Will Smith, "Bad Boys"
1996 First collaboration with Nicolas Cage in "The Rock", directed by Bay
1996 - 1997 Was an executive producer of the ABC series adaptation of "Dangerous Minds"
1995 Formally dissolved Simpson-Bruckeimer partnership one month before Simpson's death in January 1996
1995 Produced "Crimson Tide", directed by Scott and starring Gene Hackman
1991 Bruckheimer-Simpson signed non-exclusive, five-year, five-picture deal with Disney subsidiary, Hollywood Pictures (January)
1991 First film with Bruce Willis "The Last Boy Scout", directed by Scott
1990 Signed second five-year production deal with Paramount
1990 Contract between Bruckheimer-Simpson and Paramount ended by "mutual agreement" (November)
1990 Reteamed with Cruise and Scott for "Days of Thunder"
1985 Co-produced "Top Gun", which solidified Tom Cruise as a star; first collaboration with director Tony Scott
1984 Acted as co-producer on "Beverly Hills Cop", which made Eddie Murphy a star
1983 Co-founded Simpson-Bruckheimer Productions with Don Simpson; signed exclusive five-year production deal with Paramount Pictures
1983 First joint production credit with Don Simpson, "Flashdance"
1982 Debut as executive producer, the remake of "Cat People"
1975 First producing credit, "Farewell, My Lovely" (with Dick Richards)
1972 Initial film as associate producer, "The Culpepper Cattle Company"
1968 Hired by BBD&O Agency in NYC; designed campaigns for clients like Coca Cola (date approximate)
Took up still photography in high school
Began career in advertising in Detroit; received attention for a terrific Pontiac commercial he made which spoofed "Bonnie and Clyde"
Served as executive producer of the syndicated series "Soldier of Fortune, Inc/SOF: Special Ops Force"
Produced "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (2006) and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (2007)
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