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Jerry Zaks Headshot

Jerry Zaks

Birth Place: Stuttgart, GERMANY

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BIO

Jerry won four Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and an Obie Award. Mr. Zaks directed many Broadway shows including Sister Act, Guys and Dolls, Six Degrees of Separation, Lend Me a Tenor, House of Blue Leaves, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Anything Goes, La Cage aux Folles, Little Shop of Horrors and more. Mr. Zaks received SDC's Mr. Abbott Award for lifetime achievement and an honorary doctorate of fine arts from his alma mater, Dartmouth College. Mr. Zaks is a 2013 inductee to the Theater Hall of Fame.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Fiorello!
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1994
Fiorello LaGuardia
Tintypes
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1980
Performer
Tintypes
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1980
Tintypes
[Off-Broadway]
1979
Once in a Lifetime
[Broadway]
1978
Weisskopf
One Crack Out
[Off-Broadway]
1978
Al
Marco Polo
[Off-Broadway]
1976
Harlequin
Kid Champion
[Off-Broadway]
1975
Devoted Hack
Grease
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1972
Kenickie [Replacement]
[Replacement]

Productions

The It Girl
 
[Off-Broadway, unknown]
Production Supervisor
Mrs. Doubtfire
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
Mrs. DoubtfireMrs. Doubtfire
 
[US Tour, 2023] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
Mrs. DoubtfireMrs. Doubtfire
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
The Music ManThe Music Man
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
Mrs. DoubtfireMrs. Doubtfire
 
[Regional (US), 2019]
Director
Nantucket Sleigh RideNantucket Sleigh Ride
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
A Bronx TaleA Bronx Tale
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
Hello, Dolly!Hello, Dolly!
 
[US Tour, 2018]
Director
Meteor ShowerMeteor Shower
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
Hello, Dolly!Hello, Dolly!
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
A Bronx Tale: The MusicalA Bronx Tale: The Musical
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Director
A Bronx TaleA Bronx Tale
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2016]
Co-Director
Shows For DaysShows For Days
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
Sister ActSister Act
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Director
The Addams FamilyThe Addams Family
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Creative Consultant
Sister ActSister Act
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
The Addams FamilyThe Addams Family
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Creative Consultant
A Bronx TaleA Bronx Tale
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
Stairway to Paradise
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
Losing LouieLosing Louie
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
The Caine Mutiny Court-MartialThe Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
La Cage aux FollesLa Cage aux Folles
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
Little Shop of Horrors
 
[Regional (US), 2004]
Director
Little Shop of Horrors
 
[US Tour, 2004]
Director
Bye Bye Birdie
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Little Shop of HorrorsLittle Shop of Horrors
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
A Bad Friend
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
45 Seconds From Broadway
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Director
The Man Who Came to Dinner
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
Swing!
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Production Supervisor
Epic Proportions
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
The Civil War
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
The Cripple of Inishmaan
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
Skin of Our Teeth
 
[New York, 1996]
Director
Smokey Joe's Cafe
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Director
Laughter on the 23rd Floor
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Director
Guys and Dolls
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Director
Assassins
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Six Degrees Of Separation
 
[Broadway, 1990]
Director
Six Degrees of Separation
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Square One
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Anything Goes
 
[West End, 1989]
Director
Lend Me a Tenor
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Director
Anything Goes
 
[US Tour, 1988]
Director
Wenceslas Square
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Director
Anything Goes
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
The Front Page
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Director
The House of Blue Leaves
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Director
The House of Blue Leaves
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Director
The Marriage of Bette and Boo
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Director
Crossing the Bar
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Director
The Foreigner
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
Young Playwrights Festival (1984)
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
Baby with the Bathwater
 
[Off-Broadway, 1983]
Director
Beyond Therapy
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director
Face Value
 
[Broadway, 0]
Director

Movies

Outrageous Fortune
[ 1987 ] Tobacco Clerk
Crimes and Misdemeanors
[ 1989 ] Man on Campus
Husbands and Wives
[ 1992 ] Dinner Party Guests

TV Shows

The Edge of Night
Louis Van Dine

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, The Music Man

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Mrs. Doubtfire

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Hello, Dolly!

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Hello, Dolly!

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Hello, Dolly!

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Sister Act

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jerry Zaks , The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks , The Civil War


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1996 - Best Director - Musical

Jerry Zaks, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks , A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Smokey Joe's Cafe

Helen Hayes Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Play or Musical

Jerry ZaksGuys and Dolls

Helen Hayes Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Play or Musical

Jerry ZaksSix Degrees of Separation

Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jerry Zaks, Guys and Dolls


winner
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Guys and Dolls

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Director

Jerry Zaks , Six Degrees of Separation


winner
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Direction of a Play

Jerry Zaks , Six Degrees of Separation

Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Direction of a Play

Jerry Zaks , Six Degrees of Separation

Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jerry Zaks , Assassins

Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Director - Play

Jerry Zaks , Six Degrees of Separation


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Director - Play

Jerry Zaks, Lend Me a Tenor

Olivier Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Jerry ZaksWenceslas Square


winner
Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Direction of a Play

Jerry Zaks, Lend Me a Tenor


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Director

Jerry Zaks, Wenceslas Square


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Director

Jerry Zaks, Anything Goes

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks , Anything Goes


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jerry Zaks, Anything Goes


winner
Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Direction of a Play

Jerry Zaks , The House of Blue Leaves


winner
Obie Awards - 1985 - Direction

Jerry Zaks, The Foreigner


winner
Obie Awards - 1985 - Direction

Jerry Zaks, The Marriage of Bette and Boo

Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Tintypes

Videos

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News


Photos: VAPE! THE GREASE PARODY Welcomes Original GREASE Cast Members At Theatre 555 Photo
Photos: VAPE! THE GREASE PARODY Welcomes Original GREASE Cast Members At Theatre 555
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 13, 2025

Members of the original Grease Broadway company, national tour, and first Broadway revival attended Vape! The Grease Parody at Theatre 555 this weekend. Check out photos of their visit.
Photos: Inside The York Theatre's 33rd Annual Oscar Hammerstein Awards Gala Photo
Photos: Inside The York Theatre's 33rd Annual Oscar Hammerstein Awards Gala
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Nov 11, 2025

The York Theatre recently held its 33rd Annual Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, honoring Jerry Zaks and Joan Ross Sorkin. Check out photos from the event here!
The York Theatre's 33rd Annual Oscar Hammerstein Award Announces Its 2025 Fall Benefi Photo
The York Theatre's 33rd Annual Oscar Hammerstein Award Announces Its 2025 Fall Benefit Auction
by Gillian Blum - Nov 10, 2025

The York Theatre announced the launch of its 2025 Fall Benefit Auction.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE National Tour is Coming to Stifel Theatre Photo
MRS. DOUBTFIRE National Tour is Coming to Stifel Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 7, 2025

MRS. DOUBTFIRE 2nd North American tour is coming to Stifel Theatre. The critically acclaimed production features Craig Allen Smith in the title role of Daniel Hillard/Euphegenia Doubtfire (everyone's favorite Scottish nanny).
Review: MRS. DOUBTFIRE: THE NEW MUSICAL COMEDY at Robinson Center in Little Rock Photo
Review: MRS. DOUBTFIRE: THE NEW MUSICAL COMEDY at Robinson Center in Little Rock
by Theresa Bertram - Nov 1, 2025

What did our critic think of MRS. DOUBTFIRE: THE NEW MUSICAL COMEDY at Robinson Center?  I’m thrilled to report that Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy delivered everything I hoped for and more. 
J Harrison Ghee, Rob McClure and More Join 33rd Annual Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala Photo
J Harrison Ghee, Rob McClure and More Join 33rd Annual Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 30, 2025

The York Theatre Company will host its 33rd Annual Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at The Edison Ballroom (240 West 47th Street, New York City).
MRS. DOUBTFIRE Begins Performances at The Covey Center for the Arts in December Photo
MRS. DOUBTFIRE Begins Performances at The Covey Center for the Arts in December
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 30, 2025

The Covey Center for the Arts has announced that MRS. DOUBTFIRE, the smash hit musical comedy based on the beloved movie, will be coming to Provo from Dec. 4-6. Tickets are on sale now. 
MRS. DOUBTFIRE Comes to the State Theatre New Jersey Photo
MRS. DOUBTFIRE Comes to the State Theatre New Jersey
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2025

Mrs. Doubtfire, the smash hit musical comedy is coming to New Brunswick. State Theatre New Jersey will present Mrs. Doubtfire – The New Musical Comedy this weekend.
Bartlett Sher to Receive 2026 SDC Foundation 'Mr. Abbott' Award Photo
Bartlett Sher to Receive 2026 SDC Foundation 'Mr. Abbott' Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2025

Bartlett Sher will be honored with Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation's “Mr. Abbott” Award, given to a director or choreographer in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Broadway.
Review: MRS. DOUBTFIRE at Capital One Hall Photo
Review: MRS. DOUBTFIRE at Capital One Hall
by Roger Catlin - Oct 21, 2025

When a husband is as hyper, irresponsible and over-the-top as the one in the movie “Mrs. Doubtfire,” a lot of flaws can be forgiven if he’s played by Robin Williams.
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL is Returning to Wharton Center in November Photo
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL is Returning to Wharton Center in November
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2025

Dog Man: The Musical, based on the best-selling book series by Dav Pilkey, will return to Wharton Center in November. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Douglas Carter Beane Appointed Artistic Director of Genesius Theatre Photo
Douglas Carter Beane Appointed Artistic Director of Genesius Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Oct 10, 2025

Genesius Theatre has announced that five-time Tony Award nominated playwright, screenwriter, and director Douglas Carter Beane has joined the organization as Artistic Director for the coming year.
Review Roundup: MRS. DOUBTFIRE Second North American Tour Photo
Review Roundup: MRS. DOUBTFIRE Second North American Tour
by Stephi Wild - Oct 8, 2025

The second North American tour of Mrs. Doubtfire is now underway. The musical based on the beloved film opened at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston. Find out what the critics are saying!
Photos: Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne Documentary THIS PLACE MATTERS! TEN CHIMNEYS Photo
Photos: Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne Documentary THIS PLACE MATTERS! TEN CHIMNEYS Premieres
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 7, 2025

A new documentary entitled This Place Matters! Ten Chimneys premiered on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos here!
ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST & FRIENDS Comes to McAninch Arts Center October 24 Photo
ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST & FRIENDS Comes to McAninch Arts Center October 24
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 3, 2025

TheaterWorksUSA’s musical Ada Twist, Scientist & Friends will play the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn, IL on October 24, 2025. Inspired by Andrea Beaty’s beloved children’s books, the show introduces young audiences to Rosie Revere, Iggy Peck, and Ada Twist as they tackle big challenges through curiosity and teamwork.
Broadway In Akron Series To Present MRS. DOUBTFIRE And THE MUSIC MAN; Tickets On Sale Photo
Broadway In Akron Series To Present MRS. DOUBTFIRE And THE MUSIC MAN; Tickets On Sale This Week
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 1, 2025

Playhouse Square has announced that tickets for the final two shows in the 2025–2026 Broadway in Akron series will go on sale Wednesday, October 1 at 10:00 a.m.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE Comes to Midland Center for the Arts Photo
MRS. DOUBTFIRE Comes to Midland Center for the Arts
by Stephi Wild - Sep 23, 2025

Midland Center for the Arts has announced that tickets for the hit Broadway musical comedy MRS. DOUBTFIRE, based on the beloved film, go on sale this week.
Photos: MRS DOUBTFIRE Second National Tour is Now Underway Photo
Photos: MRS DOUBTFIRE Second National Tour is Now Underway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 12, 2025

The producers of MRS. DOUBTFIRE have released production photos for the second North American tour. The musical based on the beloved film opened at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston on September 9th and will continue on to play 80+ cities across North America including Milwaukee, Kansas City, Ottawa, Toronto, and Washington D.C. 
Video: Sarah Jessica Parker and Jonathan Groff Host New 42 Studios Celebration Photo
Video: Sarah Jessica Parker and Jonathan Groff Host New 42 Studios Celebration
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 9, 2025

Performing arts and arts education nonprofit New 42 celebrated the 25th anniversary of New 42 Studios with a luncheon hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker and Jonathan Groff. See footage from the event here!
Photos: New 42 Studios Celebrates 25th Birthday Photo
Photos: New 42 Studios Celebrates 25th Birthday
by Jennifer Broski - Sep 8, 2025

Earlier today, New 42 Studios hosted a luncheon to celebrate 25 years of making Broadway. BroadwayWorld was there for the special day and you can check out photos from the red carpet here.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Jerry Zaks been in?

Jerry Zaks has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Jerry Zaks been in?

Jerry Zaks has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Jerry Zaks been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for The Music Man, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Mrs. Doubtfire, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sister Act, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Civil War, Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Smokey Joe's Cafe, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Play or Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Guys and Dolls, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Play or Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Guys and Dolls, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Guys and Dolls, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation , Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Assassins, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production (Olivier Awards) for Wenceslas Square, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wenceslas Square, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anything Goes, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Anything Goes, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Anything Goes, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The House of Blue Leaves, Direction (Obie Awards) for The Foreigner, Direction (Obie Awards) for The Marriage of Bette and Boo and Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Tintypes.

What awards has Jerry Zaks won?

Jerry Zaks has won several prestigious awards throughout his career. He received the Best Director - Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. He won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Guys and Dolls and also earned the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for Six Degrees of Separation. Zaks was honored with the Outstanding Director - Play award from the Drama Desk Awards for Lend Me a Tenor, along with the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for the same production. He won the Best Director award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for both Anything Goes and Wenceslas Square. Additionally, he earned the Outstanding Director - Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for Anything Goes. Zaks received the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for The House of Blue Leaves. His work in theater direction was also recognized with Obie Awards for Direction for The Foreigner and The Marriage of Bette and Boo.

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