Jerry Zucker

Jerry Zucker (born March 11, 1950) is an American director known for comedy spoof films and the hit film *Ghost*. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Charlotte (d. 2007) and Burton Zucker, a real estate developer. He graduated from Shorewood High School.

Zucker's early career work began with Jim Abrahams and his brother David Zucker at the Kentucky Fried Theatre on Pico Blvd in West Los Angeles, where they honed their comedic skills performing skits in front of a live audience. From there, the three co-directed *Airplane!* in 1980, followed by *Top Secret!* in 1984 and *Ruthless People* in 1986. In 1990, Zucker directed *Ghost*, a dramatic film that was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. More recent directorial efforts include the 2001 film *Rat Race*, which re-teamed him with *Ghost* star Whoopi Goldberg.

Like his brother David Zucker, Jerry often cast his mother, Charlotte (who died in 2007), and his sister, Susan Breslau, in small roles in his films. Along with Jim Abrahams, the Zuckers constitute the "ZAZ" team of directors.