Jerry Bruckheimer
Extra's latest creator put together "Bad
Company," the action movie that raked in 10.5 million
dollars over the weekend. But it's just the latest in a long
line of movie and TV blockbusters for producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
His high-flying, action packed, pedal to the metal movies have grossed billions at the box office, and made Hollywood heavyweights out of Nicholas Cage, Will Smith, Ben Affleck, and of course, Eddie Murphy. And his latest leading men, Chris Rock and Anthony Hopkins are in good company -- make that "Bad Company." Says Bruckheimer, "You put Anthony Hopkins in, and he's got this brilliant demeanor about him. Then, you have Chris Rock, who is a street-wise kid. You put them together…you don't get…any better."
In the eighties, Bruckheimer and his producing partner, Don Simpson, redefined the big screen blockbuster. "Top Gun," "Flashdance," "Beverly Hills Cop," "Days of Thunder" - all were exciting thrill-rides that packed 'em in the aisles, and blew-up at the box office.
Despite the big bucks from the big screen, Bruckheimer doesn't like to boast. He says, "It's all about the people you put together. You hire talented people."
But Jerry lost his most talented colleague when his business partner and pal, Don Simpson died of a drug overdose in 1996. Bruckheimer faced his grief by working -- finishing "the rock" on his own, and dedicating the Sean Connery-Nicholas Cage shoot-em-up to his fallen friend.
A hallmark of a Bruckheimer film is star power...rising star power. He says, "We chased Eddie Murphy and put him in 'Beverly Hills Cop,' we grabbed Will Smith and Martin Lawrence and put them in 'Bad Boys' long before they had the successes they have today."
Jerry also admits he's a big supporter of the suggestion box. In 1986, Eddie Murphy pitched Bruckheimer on fresh-face funnyman, Chris Rock. That landed Chris his movie debut: playing a valet in "Beverly Hills Cop II."
Millions are checking out Bruckheimer's latest foray, the small screen. He's the man behind such TV shows as "The Amazing Race," and the hit crime series, "C.S.I."
Bruckheimer will be returning to the scene of the crime this fall with "C.S.I. Miami," starring David Caruso. Says Bruckheimer, "The character that he's gonna play is a much tougher, hard-edge character, as only David can play it."
From the movie magic of "Flashdance,",to the small screen science of "C.S.I.," Bruckheimer is a master of both the big and small screens. Just don't ask him to choose between them. He says, "I love them both!"
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