Chris Meledandri Biography
Chris Meledandri is a famous American founder and CEO of Illumination and a film producer born in New York, New York, United States. However, he formerly acted as President of 20th Century Animation and has performed as the producer for the film series Ice Age, Sing, Despicable Me, and The Secret Life of Pets.
Meledandri is important because he is a successful and accomplished film producer who has made a significant impact on the animation industry. His work has entertained and inspired audiences around the world, and he is a role model for others who aspire to work in the film industry.
The reader should care about Chris Meledandri because he is an important figure in the animation industry and his work has had a positive impact on the world. His films have entertained and inspired audiences around the world, and he is a role model for others who aspire to work in the film industry.
10 Quick Facts About Chris Meledandri
- Name: Chris Meledandri
- Age: 65 Years Old
- Birthday: May 15
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (1.75m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Film Producer and Founder and CEO of Illumination
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $20 million
Chris Meledandri Age
Meledandri is 65 years old. He was born on May 15, 1959, in New York, New York, United States. He celebrates his birthday on May 15 every year and his birth sign is Taurus.
Chris Meledandri Height
Meledandri stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.75m) tall.
Chris Meledandri Weight
Meledandri Weighs 65 kg (143 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Meledandri was born on May 15, 1959, in New York, New York, United States. He is the son of Risha Meledandri, an activist, and Roland Meledandri, a men’s fashion designer. He was raised in the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
However, Meledandri attended Dartmouth College, where he graduated with a degree in economics in 1981. He performed as a sales and marketing representative at several advertising agencies after graduation.
Rise to Fame
Meledandri rose to fame as the founder and CEO of Illumination Entertainment, which has produced several of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, including Despicable Me, Minions, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing.
Chris Meledandri Parents
Meledandri was born in New York, New York, United States as the son of the late parents Roland Meledandri (father), and Risha Meledandri (mother). His mother was an activist, and Roland Meledandri, was a men’s fashion designer.
Chris Meledandri Siblings
Meledandri spent his childhood alongside his one sibling; a sister named Nina Meledandri.
Chris Meledandri Wife
Meledandri was married to his lovely wife Leslie Benziger a marketing executive. The couple did their wedding in 2002, and together they are blessed with two sons; James Meledandri, and Nicholas Meledandri. Later on, they divorced in 2016.
Chris Meledandri Children
Meledandri together with his ex-wife Leslie Benziger are proud parents of two sons; James Meledandri, and Nicholas Meledandri.
Chris Meledandri Net Worth
Meledandri has an estimated net worth of $20 million dollars. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Film Producer and Founder and CEO of Illumination. Through his various sources of income, Meledandri has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Facts and Body Measurements
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Chris Meledandri.
Chris Meledandri Wiki
- Full Names: Chris Meledandri
- Popular As: CEO of Illumination
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Film Producer and Founder and CEO of Illumination
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: To be Updated
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Chris Meledandri Birthday
- Age: 65 Years Old
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Date of Birth: May 15, 1959
- Place of Birth: New York, New York, United States
- Birthday: May 15
Chris Meledandri Body Measurements
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 9 inches (1.75m)
- Weight: 65 kg (143 lbs)
- Eye Color: Blue
- Hair Color: Gray
- Shoe Size: To be Updated
- Chest Size: To be Updated
- Waist Size: To be Updated
Chris Meledandri Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Roland Meledandri
- Mother: Risha Meledandri
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Nina Meledandri
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Dating / Girlfriend: To be Updated
- Children: James Meledandri, Nicholas Meledandri
Chris Meledandri Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $20 million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Film Producer and Founder and CEO of Illumination
Career
Meledandri is an American film producer and the founder and CEO of Illumination Entertainment. He previously served as President of 20th Century Animation and has worked as the producer for the film series Ice Age, Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing. In 2021, he joined Nintendo’s board of directors after working with the video game company on The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Meledandri was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and graduated from Brown University with a degree in economics in 1987. After graduating, he worked as a sales and marketing representative at several advertising agencies. He left his job in 1990 to found his own film production company, DNA Productions.
At DreamWorks Animation, Meledandri served as Senior Vice President of Production. He helped produce several successful animated films, including Shrek, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda.
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Attending the Cannes Film Festival in France. This is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, and it gave Meledandri the chance to network with other filmmakers and see some of the latest films.
Visiting the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. This is another major film festival, and it focuses on independent films. Meledandri’s films have been shown at Sundance, and he has also served on the festival’s board of directors.
Visiting China to meet with potential partners for Illumination Entertainment. China is a major market for animation, and Meledandri’s visit helped to solidify Illumination Entertainment’s presence in the country.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable, and Community Involvement
Meledandri is a strong supporter of education. He has donated money to several schools and educational organizations, including the Brown University School of Arts & Sciences and the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.
Meledandri is also committed to providing healthcare to those in need. He has donated money to several hospitals and healthcare organizations, including the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Motion Picture & Television Fund.
Meledandri is a passionate supporter of the arts. He has donated money to several arts organizations, including the American Film Institute and the Sundance Institute.
Chris Meledandri DreamWorks
Meledandri was once a part of DreamWorks Animation, where he served as Senior Vice President of Production. He helped produce several successful animated films, including Shrek, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda.
In 2006, Meledandri left DreamWorks Animation to found Illumination Entertainment. Illumination Entertainment is an independent film production company that focuses on family-oriented storytelling.
Chris Meledandri Blue Sky
Meledandri was the executive producer of the first four films produced by Blue Sky Studios: Ice Age (2002), Robots (2005), Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), and Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! (2008). He also produced two animated shorts, Gone Nutty (2002) and No Time for Nuts (2006); both were nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
Meledandri left Blue Sky Studios in 2007 to found Illumination Entertainment. However, he remained involved with the studio as a consultant until it was acquired by Disney in 2019.
Chris Meledandri Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Feature Animation: Meledandri has won this award three times, for Despicable Me (2010), Minions (2015), and Sing (2016).
- Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Meledandri won this award for Sing (2016).
- Producers Guild of America Award for Best Animated Motion Picture: Meledandri has won this award four times, for Despicable Me (2010), Despicable Me 2 (2013), Minions (2015), and Sing (2016).
- VES Lifetime Achievement Award: The Visual Effects Society awarded Meledandri this award in 2019 for his contributions to the advancement of animation and visual effects.
Legacy
Here are some of the ways that Chris Meledandri has left his legacy on the film industry:
- He is the founder and CEO of Illumination Entertainment, which has produced several of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, including Despicable Me, Minions, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing.
- He has helped to redefine the animated film genre, with his films featuring a diverse cast of characters and stories that appeal to a wide audience.
Quotes
Final Thought
Meledandri is a true visionary who has helped to shape the future of animation. His films will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for generations to come.
Chris Meledandri Contacts
- Youtube
- Tiktok
- Website
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