Ken Wiederhorn

Ken Wiederhorn

80 · Born: Jan 1, 1945

Personal Details

BornJan 1, 1945 Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Biography

Ken Wiederhorn, a dynamic and versatile artistic genius, emerged into the world in the thriving Rego Park section of Queens, a borough within the five-county area that makes up the state's largest city, New York.

The individual in question embarked on a collegiate adventure at Kenyon College in the state of Ohio, with a two-year stint that unfortunately came to an abrupt halt when he made the difficult decision to discontinue his academic pursuits, effectively ending his sophomore year prematurely.

Wiederhorn's professional trajectory took a notable turn as he relocated to the city that never sleeps, New York, where he embarked on a new chapter in his career by securing a position as a mail boy at the renowned CBS television network.

As he threw himself wholeheartedly into his duties, his tireless efforts and unwavering dedication soon began to pay dividends, allowing him to ascend the corporate ladder with remarkable speed and ease.

Before long, he had transitioned from an entry-level role to a more senior position, that of an editor, where his skills and expertise were put to the test and refined.

And in a testament to his exceptional abilities and unwavering commitment, he eventually rose to the lofty heights of news producer, a position that showcased his exceptional skills and versatility.

Notably, Wiederhorn's academic journey was marked by a significant milestone as he embarked on a rigorous course of study at Columbia University, a prestigious institution renowned for its esteemed faculty and academic excellence. It was during his time at Columbia that he had the extraordinary privilege of being mentored by the illustrious film critic Andrew Sarris, a renowned expert in his field who had earned widespread recognition for his insightful and influential writings on cinema.

Michael Wiederhorn's inaugural directorial effort, a collaborative writing endeavor with the director himself, marked a haunting and unsettling foray into the realm of Nazi zombie horror with the 1977 film "Shock Waves".

The trajectory of his professional endeavors underwent a subtle shift following the initial success of his debut project, as his subsequent undertakings garnered a decidedly mixed reaction from audiences and critics alike.

Notable examples of these varied responses include the irreverent comedy "King Frat", which pushed the boundaries of good taste with its risqué humor; the slasher film "Eyes of a Stranger", which explored the darker corners of the human psyche; the sequel "Meatballs Part II", which attempted to recapture the magic of the original while introducing new elements to the franchise; and the thriller "A House in the Hills", which crafted a tense and suspenseful narrative that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

Person Biography:

Born in 1955 in New York City, the individual in question began his career in the entertainment industry as a young actor, appearing in various stage productions and television shows. He later transitioned to writing and directing, making his feature film debut with the 1979 comedy "Meatballs". The film's success spawned a franchise, with the director going on to helm several sequels and spin-offs.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a versatility in his work, tackling a wide range of genres and styles. Despite receiving mixed reviews for some of his projects, he remains a respected figure in the industry, known for his innovative approach to storytelling and his ability to craft compelling characters.

Notably, Wiederhorn's impressive repertoire extends beyond his work in feature films, as he has also honed his skills as a television director, expertly guiding the helm of numerous episodes of notable television shows, including the crime drama "Dark Justice," the horror anthology series "Freddy's Nightmares," and the popular police procedural "21 Jump Street."

Noteworthy among his professional endeavors is his foray into the realm of television production, where he has exercised his creative prowess by spearheading the development of the made-for-TV drama "A Single Light".

Wiederhorn's involvement in the creation of Brian De Palma's cinematic masterpiece, "Body Double", marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he played a crucial role in the early stages of script development, leaving an indelible mark on the film's narrative.

Notably, Wiederhorn has been actively involved in the direction and production of documentary television series, specifically contributing to the creation of episodes for "U.S. Marshals: The Real Story" and "Breaking Vegas".

Career

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1993
A House in the Hills
A House in the Hills as Director, Writer
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1988
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1987
Dark Tower
Dark Tower as Director, Writer
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1984
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1981
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1979
King Frat
King Frat as Director
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1977
Shock Waves
Shock Waves as Director, Screenplay