Who Was Craig Zadan? Celebrities React To Producer's Death At 69

Craig Zadan, a renowned producer of movies, television, and Broadway musicals died Monday night at the age of 69 due to complications from a recent shoulder replacement surgery, reports said.

“It is with profound sadness that I am announcing the passing of my dear friend and colleague Craig Zadan, who died of complications following shoulder replacement surgery,” NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt announced Tuesday.

“On behalf of his life partner, Elwood Hopkins, and his producing partner, Neil Meron, we are stunned that the man behind so many incredible film, theatre, and television productions — several of them joyous musicals — was taken away so suddenly. Craig’s distinguished career as a passionate and consummate producer is eclipsed only by his genuine love for the thousands of actors, directors, writers, musicians, designers, and technicians he worked with over the years. His absence will be felt in our hearts and throughout our business.”

Celebrities, including singers, actors, directors and other members of the industry who have worked with him over the years took to social media to express their sorrow over his death.

“In shock....Craig Zadan, my colleague and producer of Hairspray and so many musicals has passed.... prayers for him and his loved ones....I’m so confused and disoriented....he and @neilmeron gave me the opportunity of a lifetime with that movie. I’m so so grateful and so so sad,” director Adam Shankman, who worked with Zadan to bring “Hairspray” to the big screen, posted on his Instagram account.

“I’m stunned and saddened the unexpected passing of Craig Zadan. He’s been a friend my entire adult life, championed me to host the Oscars, brought musical theatre back to TV. A wonderful, kind spirit. My sincere condolences to his family and his partner, Elwood. #RIP,” actor Neil Patrick Harris wrote on Twitter.

Harris hosted the 2015 Oscar Awards, the telecast of which was produced by Zadan along with fellow producer Neil Meron. The duo also produced two other live Oscar telecasts. The Academy, the “home of the Oscars,” also paid tribute to the revolutionary producer.

“RIP to our friend Craig. He produced Jesus Christ Superstar with us and also produced the Oscars when Common and I sang "Glory" in front of a replica of the Pettus Bridge. A wonderful producer and a lovely man,” John Legend wrote on twitter.

Several other celebrities also reacted to his death.

Zadan’s producing career began in 1984 with the film “Footloose.” The duo of Zadan and Meron went on to produce a number of shows on TV, films and plays that were extremely successful. They were also credited for bringing live musicals back to TV.

Zadan, himself earned around 14 Emmy nominations, while his partnership with Meron led to six Academy Awards, 17 Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, five Golden Globes, two Peabody Awards, six GLAAD Awards, four NAACP Image Awards and two Tony Awards for their productions.

The list of TV movies produced by them includes, “Wonderful World of Disney musicals Annie and Cinderella, starring Whitney Houston,” “The Music Man,” “The Three Stooges and Brian’s Song.”

They’ve produced many noteworthy movies as well like Oscar Best Picture Winning “Chicago,” the 2007 remake of “Hairspray,” and the 2011 remake of “Footloose.”