Jeffrey Katzenberg is an American film producer, businessman, and former chairman of Walt Disney Studios. Born on December 21, 1950, in New York City, Katzenberg has made significant contributions to the film industry, particularly through his involvement with major studios and his later entrepreneurial ventures.
Katzenberg's early career began at Paramount Pictures, where he worked under the mentorship of Barry Diller. His time at Paramount was marked by his role in producing several successful films, including Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
In 1984, Katzenberg joined Walt Disney Studios as chairman. During his tenure, which lasted until 1994, he was instrumental in revitalizing Disney's animation department. His leadership led to the creation of what is often referred to as the Disney Renaissance, with hits like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. These films not only rejuvenated Disney's animation but also significantly contributed to the studio's financial success and creative output.
After leaving Disney under controversial circumstances, Katzenberg, along with Steven Spielberg and David Geffen, founded DreamWorks SKG in 1994. He became the CEO of DreamWorks Animation, where he spearheaded the studio's entry into the CG animation market with films like Shrek, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda. DreamWorks Animation under Katzenberg's leadership became one of the most successful animation studios in the world, known for its innovative storytelling and visual effects.
After DreamWorks Animation was sold to NBCUniversal in 2016, Katzenberg founded WndrCo, a holding company aimed at investing in and incubating new media and technology companies. One of his notable projects at WndrCo is Quibi, a short-form streaming platform designed for mobile viewing, which, despite its high-profile launch and substantial investment, ultimately failed to gain traction and shut down in December 2020.
Katzenberg's legacy in Hollywood is multifaceted, marked by his ability to adapt to changing industry landscapes, from traditional animation to digital media. He has been recognized for his contributions with numerous awards, including the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the Academy Awards.