Jeffrey Katzenberg Biography
Jeffrey Katzenberg is a popular American media proprietor and film producer born in New York, New York, United States. Regardless, he became well known for his tenure as chairman of Walt Disney Studios from 1984 to 1994.
Katzenberg’s impact on the entertainment industry extends beyond animation, as he has also been a driving force in the development of new technologies and business models. He has been a vocal advocate for the advancement of digital media and the use of technology to enhance storytelling, including the development of 3D and virtual reality films.
He has been a vocal proponent of gender and racial equality, pushing for increased representation and opportunities for underrepresented groups in Hollywood. He has supported initiatives to promote diversity in both front-of-camera and behind-the-scenes roles and has used his platform to advocate for meaningful change in the industry.
10 Quick Facts About Jeffrey Katzenberg
- Name: Jeffrey Katzenberg
- Age: 73 Years (2023)
- Birthday: 21 December
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (1.63m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Media Proprietor and Film Producer
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: To be Updated
- Net worth: $900 million
Jeffrey Katzenberg Age
Katzenberg is 73 years old as of 2023, he was born on 21 December 1950, in New York, New York, United States. He celebrates his birthday on 21 December every year and his birth sign is Sagittarius.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Height
Katzenberg stands at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (1.63m) tall.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Weight
Katzenberg weighs 71 kg (157 lbs).
Jeffrey Katzenberg Early Life and Education
Katzenberg was born on 21 December 1950, in New York City, to a Jewish family, the son of Anne, an artist, and Walter Katzenberg, a stockbroker. He joined the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, graduating in 1969. Later in 1971, he attended New York University but dropped out during his sophomore.
At an age of 14 years old, he volunteered to work on Republican John Lindsay’s successful New York mayoral campaign. He quickly received the nickname “Squirt” and attended as many meetings as he could.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Rise to Fame
Katzenberg’s rise to fame in the entertainment industry is a story of talent, hard work, and determination. Here is a brief overview of his career trajectory:
His career in the entertainment industry began in the late 1970s when he joined Paramount Pictures. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the President of Production at Paramount in 1979. During his tenure, he was responsible for successful films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, and Flashdance, establishing himself as a skilled and innovative film executive.
In 1994, Katzenberg, along with Steven Spielberg and David Geffen, co-founded DreamWorks SKG, a multimedia entertainment company. DreamWorks quickly made its mark in the industry with critically acclaimed and commercially successful films such as Saving Private Ryan, American Beauty, and Shrek.
As CEO of DreamWorks Animation, Katzenberg focused on the development of animated films, leading to a string of box-office hits. He introduced the concept of the “family blockbuster” with films like Shrek, which revolutionized the animation genre and generated billions of dollars in revenue.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Parents
Katzenberg was born to a Jewish family, as the son of Anne Katzenberg (mother), an artist, and Walter Katzenberg (father), a stockbroker in New York City.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Siblings
Any information about Katzenberg’s siblings is publicly not available. It is not known if he has siblings. We will update this section once the information is available.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Wife
Katzenberg is currently married to his lovely wife Marilyn Siegel a writer and producer, known for The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg (1998) and Happily Ever After (1985). The couple did their wedding in 1975 and together they are blessed with two twins, Laura, and David born in 1983. David is a television producer and director.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Children
Katzenberg together with his wife are proud parents of two twins, Laura, and David born in 1983.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Net Worth
Katzenberg has an estimated net worth of $900 Million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Media Proprietor and Film Producer. Through his various sources of income, Katzenberg has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Jeffrey Katzenberg;
Jeffrey Katzenberg Wiki
- Full Names: Jeffrey Katzenberg
- Popular As: Chief Executive Officer
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Media Proprietor and Film Producer
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Christianity
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Jeffrey Katzenberg Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 73 Years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Date of Birth: 21 December 1950
- Place of Birth: New York, New York, United States
- Birthday: 21 December
Jeffrey Katzenberg Body Measurements
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 4 inches (1.63m)
- Weight: 71 kg (157 lbs)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Brown
- Shoe Size: To be Updated
- Chest Size: To be Updated
- Waist Size: To be Updated
Jeffrey Katzenberg Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Walter Katzenberg
- Mother: Anne Katzenberg
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): To be Updated
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse/Wife: Married to Marilyn Katzenberg
- Dating/Girlfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: David Katzenberg, Laura Katzenberg
Jeffrey Katzenberg Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $900 million
- Salary: To be Updated
- Source of Income: Media Proprietor and Film Producer
Jeffrey Katzenberg Career
Katzenberg is a prominent American media executive and film producer known for his successful career in the entertainment industry. He has been involved in various high-profile projects, both in the film and television industries and has had a significant impact on the world of entertainment.
Katzenberg started his career in the entertainment industry in the late 1970s, working for Paramount Pictures as an assistant to the president. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the head of the studio’s motion picture division, where he was responsible for overseeing the production of successful films like “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” and “Terms of Endearment.”
In 1984, Katzenberg joined The Walt Disney Company and became chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, where he oversaw the production of a string of successful animated films, including “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King.” During his tenure at Disney, he also played a crucial role in the development of Disney’s theme park division and helped launch the Disney Channel.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Katzenberg has been a regular attendee and participant in major film festivals around the world, including the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and others. These festivals serve as important platforms for showcasing films and networking with industry professionals.
He has been a prominent speaker and attendee at various industry conferences and events related to entertainment, media, and technology. He has participated in conferences such as the Milken Institute Global Conference, SXSW (South by Southwest), and Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference.
During his tenure at Disney and DreamWorks Animation, Katzenberg has been involved in numerous studio openings and events, including movie premieres, press events, and red-carpet ceremonies. These events are often highly publicized and attended by industry insiders, celebrities, and media.
Katzenberg has been involved in the development and launch of various theme park attractions and experiences during his time at Disney. For example, he played a key role in the creation of popular attractions like “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure” at Disney California Adventure Park and “The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management” at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable, and Community Involvement
Katzenberg has been a significant supporter of The Advancement Project, a civil rights organization that focuses on issues such as racial justice, voting rights, and education equity. He has donated millions of dollars to support the organization’s initiatives and has served on its board of directors.
Katzenberg has been a strong advocate for education, particularly in underserved communities. He has made significant donations to educational institutions, including the University of Southern California (USC), his alma mater, and has supported organizations that provide educational opportunities and resources to low-income students.
Katzenberg has been involved in various healthcare-related philanthropic efforts. He has made significant donations to organizations such as the Motion Picture & Television Fund, which provides healthcare and social services to members of the entertainment industry. He has also supported research and treatment for diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s.
He has shown support for arts and culture organizations, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Motion Picture & Television Fund Foundation. He has also contributed to the preservation and restoration of classic films through his involvement with The Film Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Martin Scorsese.
Jeffrey Katzenberg House
In the past, Katzenberg has owned notable properties, including a mansion in Beverly Hills, California, which he sold for a reported $125 million in 2019, making it one of the most expensive home sales in Los Angeles at that time. He has also owned properties in other affluent areas, such as Bel Air and Malibu in California.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Lion King
Katzenberg’s involvement with “The Lion King” is associated with his tenure at The Walt Disney Company. Katzenberg served as Chairman of Walt Disney Studios from 1984 to 1994 and was known for his contributions to the animation division during that time.
“The Lion King” is a 1994 American animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, and it is widely regarded as one of Disney’s most successful and iconic animated films.
During his time at Disney, Katzenberg played a key role in the development and production of “The Lion King.” He was known for his hands-on involvement in the creative process and his leadership in pushing the boundaries of animation technology. Under Katzenberg’s leadership, “The Lion King” was greenlit and produced, becoming one of the most successful films in Disney’s history.
“The Lion King” was released in 1994 and went on to become a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $1 billion at the global box office and earning critical acclaim for its story, animation, music, and memorable characters. The film won two Academy Awards and inspired numerous adaptations, including a successful Broadway musical and subsequent remakes and spin-offs.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Quibi
Katzenberg is widely known for co-founding Quibi, a short-form streaming platform that launched in April 2020. Quibi, short for “quick bites,” was an innovative streaming service that aimed to deliver high-quality, short-form content optimized for mobile viewing.
Katzenberg co-founded Quibi along with Meg Whitman, former CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and the platform received substantial investments from major media companies and entertainment industry figures, including Disney, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, Viacom, and Alibaba Group, among others.
Quibi was designed to offer premium content in episodes of 10 minutes or less, spanning various genres such as scripted dramas, documentaries, reality shows, and news programs. The platform also featured unique technological features, such as the ability to switch between portrait and landscape viewing modes and a “Turnstyle” feature that allowed for seamless transitions between horizontal and vertical orientations.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Movies and Tv Shows
- Shrek 5
- The Road to El Dorado 2000
- Shrek 2001
- Shrek 2 2004
- Shrek the Third 2007
- The Prince of Egypt 1998
- Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron 2002
- Shrek 4-D 2003
- Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas 2003
- Shark Tale 2004
- Madagascar 2005
- Waking Sleeping Beauty 2009
- Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted 2012
- Chicken Run 2000
- Joseph: King of Dreams 2000
- Megamind 2010
- Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit 2005
- Howard 2018
- Father of the Pride 2004 – 2005
- The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper 2005
- Spielberg 2017
- Untouchable 2019
- For the Love of Spock 2016
- Square Roots: The Story of SpongeBob SquarePants 2009
- Seduced and Abandoned 2013
- Hans Zimmer. Hollywood Rebel A Grand Night In: The Story of Aardman 2015
- Your Studio and You 1995
- Chaos on the Bridge 2014
- The Making of ‘The Lion King’ 1994
- HBO First Look Since 1992
Jeffrey Katzenberg Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- Katzenberg has been nominated for the Academy Awards multiple times as a producer. Notably, he was nominated for Best Animated Feature for “Shrek” in 2002, which won the award, and for “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” in 2003.
- Katzenberg has received Emmy Awards for his contributions to television programming, including as an executive producer of the animated series “The Penguins of Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness.”
- Katzenberg has received several Producers Guild of America Awards for his work in animation, including for “Shrek” and “Kung Fu Panda.”
- Katzenberg has been recognized with multiple Annie Awards, which are given for outstanding achievements in animation. Some of the projects he has been associated with that have received Annie Awards include “Shrek,” “Shrek 2,” “Kung Fu Panda,” and “The Boss Baby.”
- In 2017, Katzenberg was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Legacy
Some key aspects of Katzenberg’s legacy include:
Katzenberg played a pivotal role in establishing animation as a major force in the entertainment industry. During his tenure at Walt Disney Studios, he oversaw the development and production of critically acclaimed and commercially successful animated films such as “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King.” These films helped usher in a new golden age of animation and set the standard for storytelling, innovation, and artistic excellence in animated feature films.
His leadership at both Walt Disney Studios and DreamWorks Animation helped shape the direction of these studios and the broader entertainment landscape. He was known for his keen business acumen, creative vision, and ability to foster talent, which resulted in numerous successful films and franchises that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Anecdotes
Katzenberg’s Pitch for “The Lion King”: When pitching the concept of “The Lion King” to Disney executives, Katzenberg famously used a single image of a lion against a glowing red sunset as his pitch. He didn’t reveal any story details or show any footage, but simply used the image to convey the emotional impact and visual beauty of the film.
Katzenberg’s Obsession with Detail: Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Katzenberg was known to be deeply involved in every aspect of the films he worked on. During the production of “Shrek,” he reportedly reviewed every single frame of the film and gave detailed notes to the animators to ensure that the humor and storytelling were just right.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Quotes
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeffrey Katzenberg
Jeffrey Katzenberg is a popular American media proprietor and film producer born in New York, New York, United States. Regardless, he became well known for his tenure as chairman of Walt Disney Studios from 1984 to 1994.
Katzenberg is an American national born on 21 December 1950, in New York, New York, United States.
Katzenberg stands at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (1.63m) tall.
Katzenberg is currently married to his lovely wife Marilyn Siegel a writer and producer, known for The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg (1998) and Happily Ever After (1985).
Katzenberg has an approximate net worth of $900 million. This amount has been accrued from her leading roles in the media industry.
Details about Katzenberg’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much he makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Katzenberg is a resident of Beverly Hills, USA, we shall upload pictures of his house as soon as we have them.
Katzenberg is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of him being sick or having any health-related issues.
Katzenberg currently announced his new video streaming platform, Quibi, created in partnership with former eBay CEO Meg Whitman.
Jeffrey Katzenberg Contacts
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