History of Jerry Bruckheimer in Timeline

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Jerry Bruckheimer

Jerry Bruckheimer is a highly successful American film and television producer renowned for his blockbuster action, drama, and science fiction productions. He transitioned from advertising to film in the 1970s. Bruckheimer gained prominence in the 1980s and 90s through a fruitful partnership with Don Simpson, producing hits such as *Flashdance*, *Top Gun*, and *Beverly Hills Cop*. After Simpson's death, Bruckheimer continued his success with franchises like *Pirates of the Caribbean*, *National Treasure*, and *Bad Boys*, solidifying his status as a major force in Hollywood through visually stunning and commercially lucrative films.

September 21, 1943: Jerome Leonard Bruckheimer Born

On September 21, 1943, Jerome Leonard Bruckheimer was born. He is an American film and television producer known for action, drama, comedy, fantasy, horror, and science fiction genres.

1959: Favorite Film: The 400 Blows

One of Jerry Bruckheimer's favorite films is "The 400 Blows", released in 1959.

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1961: Graduation from Mumford High School

In 1961, at the age of 17, Jerry Bruckheimer graduated from Mumford High School in Detroit, Michigan, before moving to Arizona for college.

1969: First Marriage

In 1969, Jerry Bruckheimer married Bonnie Fishman Bruckheimer.

1971: Favorite Film: The French Connection

One of Jerry Bruckheimer's favorite films is "The French Connection", released in 1971.

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1972: Favorite Film: The Godfather

One of Jerry Bruckheimer's favorite films is "The Godfather", released in 1972.

1973: First Meeting with Don Simpson

In 1973, Jerry Bruckheimer first met Don Simpson at a screening of "The Harder They Come" at Warner Brothers.

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1974: Divorce from Bonnie Fishman

In 1974, Jerry Bruckheimer divorced Bonnie Fishman.

August 9, 1983: Agreement with Paramount

On August 9, 1983, Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson struck a three-year agreement with Paramount to produce theatrical and television projects through his new Simpson/Bruckheimer Productions company.

1984: Bruckheimer's Production Philosophy

In a 1984 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Jerry Bruckheimer described his production process with Don Simpson, emphasizing their involvement in all elements, including aesthetics and overall direction.

1990: $500 Million Deal and Days of Thunder

In 1990, Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson struck a $500 million deal with Paramount to produce five movies. His 1990 production of the film "Days of Thunder", starring Tom Cruise, did not perform as well as expected.

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1993: Second Marriage

In 1993, Jerry Bruckheimer married novelist Linda Cobb Bruckheimer.

1994: Comeback with The Ref

In 1994, Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson made a comeback with the low-budget film ($12 million) "The Ref".

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1995: Last Contribution of Jerry Bruckheimer Foundation

According to The Smoking Gun, the last time the Jerry Bruckheimer Foundation made a contribution was in 1995, when it gave $9,350 to Van Nuys Prep School.

1996: Simpson's death and The Rock's Dedication

After Don Simpson's death in 1996, Jerry Bruckheimer dedicated "The Rock" to his memory, marking the last film they collaborated on.

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1996: Don Simpson's Death

In 1996, Don Simpson, Jerry Bruckheimer's partner, passed away, ending their collaboration. Bruckheimer dedicated the film "The Rock" to Simpson's memory.

1996: Branching into Television

Since 1996, Jerry Bruckheimer has branched out into television, creating police dramas, most notably "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," and producing the reality game show "The Amazing Race."

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1997: Favorite Film: Good Will Hunting

One of Jerry Bruckheimer's favorite films is "Good Will Hunting", released in 1997.

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July 9, 2003: Release of Pirates of the Caribbean

On July 9, 2003, "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl", the first film in the franchise, was released and became a box office hit.

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July 2003: Bruckheimer Honored by Variety

In July 2003, Jerry Bruckheimer was honored by Variety for producing the top two highest-grossing films of a single weekend: "Bad Boys II" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl".

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July 2003: Variety Honors Bruckheimer

In July 2003, Variety honored Jerry Bruckheimer as the first person in Hollywood history to produce the highest and second-highest-grossing films of a single weekend, which were "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" and "Bad Boys II."

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2003: Cancellation of Skin

In 2003, Jerry Bruckheimer's TV show "Skin" was cancelled after only three episodes.

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2003: Top-Rated Television Productions

In 2003, three of Jerry Bruckheimer's television productions—"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Without a Trace," and "CSI: Miami"—ranked among the top ten in the U.S. ratings, making him the first producer to achieve this milestone.

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2004: Start of CSI: NY

In 2004, "CSI: NY" began airing.

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May 2006: Honorary Doctorate

In May 2006, Jerry Bruckheimer was honored with a Doctorate of Fine Arts degree (DFA) from the University of Arizona's College of Fine Arts.

July 7, 2006: Release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

On July 7, 2006, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" was released and broke records worldwide on the day of its premiere, eventually grossing over $1 billion.

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May 25, 2007: Release of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

On May 25, 2007, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End", the third film in the series, was released worldwide.

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November 2007: Photography Exhibition for Cutty Sark

In November 2007, a collection of photos taken by Jerry Bruckheimer went on display in London to help raise money for the Cutty Sark Conservation Project.

December 2007: Partnership with MTV

In December 2007, Jerry Bruckheimer announced plans to partner with MTV to create a new game studio and joined the ZeniMax Media board of directors.

May 2008: CBS Picks Up Eleventh Hour

In May 2008, CBS announced it had picked up Jerry Bruckheimer's newest series, "Eleventh Hour," for the 2008–2009 broadcast television season. The science fiction drama follows a government agent and a professor as they investigate strange scientific and medical activity.

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2008: Donation to John McCain's Campaign

In 2008, Jerry Bruckheimer donated funds to John McCain's presidential election campaign.

September 10, 2009: NBC Picks Up Chase

On September 10, 2009, NBC picked up an action procedural from Jerry Bruckheimer titled "Chase," which follows a team charged with ensuring fugitive criminals don't evade justice.

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2009: End of Without a Trace

In 2009, "Without a Trace" concluded its run, during which Jerry Bruckheimer had six hit television shows on the air simultaneously.

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2009: Unveiling Jerry Bruckheimer Games

In 2009, Jerry Bruckheimer unveiled Jerry Bruckheimer Games, appointing Jim Veevaert as President of Production and Jay Cohen as President of Development.

2009: Broadcast of Eleventh Hour

In 2009, Jerry Bruckheimer's show, "Eleventh Hour", was broadcasted on television.

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May 2011: Cancellation of Chase

In May 2011, Jerry Bruckheimer's TV show "Chase" was canceled.

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2011: Release of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

In 2011, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" was released.

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2011: Rumors of titles from Jerry Bruckheimer Games

In 2011, it was rumored that Jerry Bruckheimer Games was working on three titles, but nothing came to fruition.

2012: Donation to Mitt Romney Victory Fund

In 2012, Jerry Bruckheimer donated $25,000 to the Mitt Romney Victory Fund.

March 2013: Closure of Jerry Bruckheimer Games

In March 2013, Jerry Bruckheimer Games was closed. However, Jerry Bruckheimer remained a ZeniMax Board Member.

2014: Parting Ways with Disney and New Deal with Paramount

In 2014, after the disappointment of "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" and "The Lone Ranger," Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney Studios ended their first-look deal. He then signed a new first-look deal with Paramount and mentioned a new "Beverly Hills Cop" and a "Top Gun 2" as potential production ventures.

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June 2016: Jerry Bruckheimer Television Becomes Independent

In June 2016, Jerry Bruckheimer Television became an independent outfit, ending a 15-year exclusive pact with Warner Bros Television.

2017: Release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

In 2017, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" was released.

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December 4, 2018: Approval of Seattle Kraken

On December 4, 2018, the NHL Board of Governors voted to approve the Seattle Kraken, an NHL expansion team in which Jerry Bruckheimer was an investor, to start playing in the 2021–22 season.

2020: Paramount Deal Not Renewed

In 2020, it was reported that Jerry Bruckheimer's first look deal with Paramount was not renewed.

2021: Co-Founder of Seattle Kraken

In 2021, Jerry Bruckheimer co-founded (with David Bonderman) and became the majority owner of PIA Group, which owns the Seattle Kraken, the 2021 expansion team of the National Hockey League.

2021: ZeniMax Purchased by Microsoft

In 2021, ZeniMax was purchased by Microsoft.

2021: Seattle Kraken Start to Play

In 2021, the Seattle Kraken, in which Jerry Bruckheimer was an investor, started to play in the NHL.

2023: Best Picture Nomination

In 2023, "Top Gun: Maverick" earned Jerry Bruckheimer his first nomination for Best Picture at the 95th Academy Awards.

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