John Landis Age, Height, Nationality, Movies and TV Shows

John David Landis, born on August 3, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, is a prominent American filmmaker and actor. Renowned for his work in comedy, Landis has directed several iconic films, including The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977), National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978), The Blues Brothers (1980), An American Werewolf in London (1981), Trading Places (1983), Three Amigos (1986), Coming to America (1988), and Beverly Hills Cop III (1994). He also directed the legendary music videos for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” (1983) and “Black or White” (1991).

Early Life and Inspirations

Landis was born into a Jewish American family, the son of Shirley Levine (née Magaziner) and Marshall Landis, an interior designer and decorator. When he was just four months old, his family moved to Los Angeles, California. Despite growing up in California, Landis maintains a strong connection to Chicago, considering it his hometown and supporting the Chicago White Sox baseball team.

His aspiration to become a director sparked at the age of eight after watching The 7th Voyage of Sinbad. The film captivated his imagination, leading him to inquire about the filmmaking process and igniting his lifelong passion for cinema.

Career Beginnings

Landis started his film career at 20th Century-Fox as a mailboy before working as an assistant director on MGM’s Kelly’s Heroes (1969) in Yugoslavia. His time on set allowed him to forge connections with actors Don Rickles and Donald Sutherland, who would later appear in his films. Landis also worked on various European films, including Once Upon a Time in the West, El Condor, and A Town Called Bastard, gaining experience as a stunt double, dialogue coach, and production assistant.

At the age of 21, Landis made his directorial debut with Schlock, a tribute to monster movies. Though initially released in 1971, it wasn’t until 1973, when Johnny Carson promoted it on The Tonight Show, that it gained a cult following.

Breakthrough and Major Successes

Landis’ big break came with The Kentucky Fried Movie, which led to him directing Animal House. The latter became a massive financial success, earning over $120 million and launching the “gross-out” comedy genre. Following this, Landis co-wrote and directed The Blues Brothers, which featured musical legends such as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles, solidifying his reputation in Hollywood.

In 1981, Landis directed An American Werewolf in London, a comedy-horror film that became a commercial hit and influenced the incorporation of comedic elements in horror films.

Controversy and Legal Issues

In 1982, Landis faced significant controversy during the filming of Twilight Zone: The Movie, when a tragic accident involving a helicopter crash resulted in the deaths of actor Vic Morrow and two child actors, Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen. Landis and several others were charged with involuntary manslaughter. Although acquitted in a ten-month trial, the incident had lasting effects on industry safety standards and Landis’ career.

Continued Success and Television Work

Despite the controversy, Landis continued to direct successful films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Trading Places, Coming to America, and Beverly Hills Cop III. He also ventured into television, directing series such as Dream On (1990), Weird Science (1994), and Sliders (1995), as well as commercials for major brands like DirecTV, Taco Bell, and Coca-Cola.

John Landis Age

How old is John Landis? John Landis was born on August 3, 1950.

John Landis Height

How tall is John Landis? John Landis stands at a moderate height.

John Landis Nationality

John Landis is an American.

Movies and TV Shows

1. Schlock (1973)
2. The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)
3. National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978)
4. The Blues Brothers (1980)
5. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
6. Trading Places (1983)
7. Into the Night (1985)
8. Spies Like Us (1985)
9. Three Amigos (1986)
10. Amazon Women on the Moon (1987)
11. Coming to America (1988)
12. Oscar (1991)
13. Innocent Blood (1992)
14. Beverly Hills Cop III (1994)
15. The Stupids (1996)
16. Blues Brothers 2000 (1998)
17. Susan’s Plan (1998)
18. Burke and Hare (2010)

John Landis TV Shows

1. Dream On (1990) – Executive Producer and Director
2. Weird Science (1994) – Executive Producer and Director
3. Sliders (1995) – Executive Producer and Director
4. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show (1997) – Executive Producer
5. Campus Cops (1995) – Executive Producer
6. The Lost World (1998) – Executive Producer
7. Masters of Horror (2005-2007) – Director
8. Psych (2006-2014) – Director
9. Psychoville (2011) – Actor (Guest Appearance)
10. Superhero Kindergarten (2020) – Director and Executive Producer