Zack Norman, the multifaceted actor, stand-up comedian, producer, and art collector, died of natural causes on Sunday, April 28 at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, according to a statement from his family. Norman was 83.
Norman was born Howard Jerrold Zuker in Boston on May 27, 1940, and grew up in Revere, Massachusetts. He attended The Governor’s Academy and then pursued higher education at Vanderbilt University before earning an executive MBA from Harvard Business School.
Norman began his entertainment career as a stand-up comedian, performing at venues like Playboy clubs, The Flamingo in Las Vegas, and the Copacabana in New York. His comedic talents earned him a spot on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1969.
In the mid-1970s, Norman transitioned into acting and became known for his work in films and television. He made his mark in the movie Romancing the Stone (1984), where he played Ira, a crocodile-loving antiquities smuggler, alongside Michael Douglas and Danny DeVito. The film was a commercial success and a defining moment in his career.
Norman’s collaboration with director Henry Jaglom was a significant highlight of his career. The two worked together on numerous films, including Ovation (2015), Tracks (1976), Sitting Ducks (1980), Queen of the Lot (2010), Venice/Venice (1992), Déjà Vu (1997), Festival in Cannes (2001), Hollywood Dreams (2006), Babyfever (1994), Irene in Time (2009), and The M Word (2014).
His filmography extended beyond Jaglom’s projects, with notable roles in James Toback’s Fingers (1978), Milos Forman’s Ragtime (1981), Robert Downey Sr.’s America (1986), and Roger Donaldson’s Cadillac Man (1990). On television, Norman appeared in series such as The Flash, Baywatch, The A-Team, and The Nanny.
Norman was also involved in film production and financing. He produced John Arden’s “Live Like Pigs,” which enjoyed a successful off-Broadway run in 1965. He also helped fund Peter Davis’ “Hearts and Minds,” a 1974 documentary that won an Academy Award. Additionally, he was a producer, co-writer, and co-director of “Chief Zabu,” a film about a real estate developer with political aspirations. The film, although shelved for years, was eventually completed and released in 2016, garnering renewed interest due to its satirical nature and Norman’s involvement.
In addition to his work in film and comedy, Norman was an avid art collector, with his collection including works by renowned artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring.
Norman is survived by his wife, Nancy, his daughters, Lori and Tracy, his sons, Stephen and Michael, and 14 grandchildren.
