Chris Kazan, a celebrated and accomplished individual in the realms of literature and the film industry, holds the esteemed position of assistant professor of film at Columbia University's School of the Arts, where he imparts his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of creative minds.
Born on December 16, 1938, in the vibrant city of New York, Chris Kazan was blessed with a family legacy of artistic excellence, being the son of the illustrious Elia Kazan and Molly Kazan, both of whom were renowned figures in their respective fields.
Kazan's literary endeavors were marked by the publication of not one, but two novels, "Mouth Full of Sugar" in 1969 and "The Love Freak" in 1971, thereby showcasing his remarkable literary talent and versatility. Furthermore, his creative reach extended beyond the realm of novels, as he also ventured into television, scripting an episode of the popular crime drama "The Streets of San Francisco" in 1972. Moreover, Kazan's skills as a screenwriter were put to the test when he penned the screenplay for the film "The Visitors", a cinematic endeavor directed by his illustrious father, the renowned Elia Kazan, in 1972. This project proved to be a launching pad for the careers of notable actors James Woods and Steve Railsback, thereby cementing Kazan's reputation as a talented and influential figure in the world of entertainment.
Kazan's personal life was characterized by a prolonged and enduring marital union with Jeneene Harris Kazan, a partnership that was marked by a strong sense of commitment and companionship, as they jointly nurtured and raised a stepdaughter and a stepson, who were previously her children from a prior marriage, thereby creating a blended family unit that was filled with love, laughter, and a deep sense of belonging.
Chris Kazan's life was tragically and prematurely brought to a close on December 14, 1991, when he succumbed to mortality mere hours shy of reaching the milestone of his 53rd birthday, a poignant reminder of the fragility of human existence.
