Neil Meron

Biography

Neil Meron is an American film, television, and stage producer widely recognized for his work in reviving the movie musical and producing large-scale live television events. Over the course of his career, he has helped bring Broadway-inspired storytelling to global audiences, shaping contemporary musical entertainment in Hollywood and on television.

Early Life and Education

Neil Meron was born on October 26, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in a city deeply connected to theater and performance, he developed a strong appreciation for the arts at an early age. He attended Hofstra University, where he studied theater and began forming the creative foundations that would guide his professional life.

Before becoming a producer, Meron worked in casting, gaining valuable experience in talent selection and project development. This early exposure to performance and storytelling gave him a unique understanding of both creative and production aspects of filmmaking.

Partnership with Craig Zadan

A defining chapter of Meron’s career was his long-term professional partnership with Craig Zadan. Together, they founded Storyline Entertainment and became one of Hollywood’s most successful producing teams.

Their collaboration lasted decades and resulted in numerous acclaimed films, television specials, and award show broadcasts. The duo became particularly known for their expertise in adapting stage musicals into successful screen productions.

Film Career

Meron played a key role in producing several major musical films, including:

Chicago – Directed by Rob Marshall, the film won the Academy Award for Best Picture and marked a major resurgence of the movie musical. It starred Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere.

Hairspray – A vibrant adaptation of the Broadway hit featuring John Travolta, Queen Latifah, and Zac Efron.

Footloose – A remake of the 1984 classic, introducing the story to a new generation.

These productions demonstrated Meron’s ability to balance nostalgia with modern cinematic style, helping reestablish musicals as commercially viable films.

Television and Live Musicals

Meron and Zadan became pioneers of live televised musicals, bringing Broadway-style productions directly into American homes. Notable projects include:

The Sound of Music Live!

Peter Pan Live!

The Wiz Live!

These live broadcasts attracted large audiences and helped spark renewed interest in theatrical programming on network television.

In addition, Meron co-produced several high-profile award ceremonies, including the Academy Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards, demonstrating his skill in managing complex live productions.