Jeff McCracken

Jeff McCracken (born September 12, 1952, Chicago, Illinois) is an American actor, director, writer, and producer. After studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City he began his acting career on Broadway and off-Broadway, including "Breakfast with Les and Bess" by Lee Kalcheim and being a member of Circle Repertory Company where he originated roles in new works by Lanford Wilson and Beth Henley, as well as leading roles in films, including The One Man Jury (1978), Stranger in Our House (1979), "Kent State" (1980), Running Brave (1985), and Waiting for the Light (1990). He starred in television series, Bay City Blues and Hawaiian Heat, as well as guest starring in other series such as: JAG, thirtysomething, The Hitchhiker, St. Elsewhere, The Torkelsons, All is Forgiven, LAX, and Private Eye. While at the Walt Disney Company he developed, produced and directed television shows Boy Meets World; Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane; Dinosaurs;, and You Wish, as well as developing and overseeing production of The Torkelsons, Maybe This Time, Misery Loves Company, Where I Live, and Singer and Sons. In all he has directed over seventy episodes of television, including NYPD Blue, Still Standing, The Trouble With Normal, Suite Life of Zach and Cody, and Smart Guy. He developed and co-produced the feature film Quiz Show directed by Robert Redford that won the New York Film Critics Award for Best Picture as well as being nominated for an Academy Award. He was executive producer of the independent feature film One Cup of Coffee which won the Audience Award for Best Picture at the Sundance Film Festival before being distributed by Miramax Films as Pastime. Jeff was an associate professor at Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts before moving back east to focus on several projects for the theater and film. He has also taught at New York University Tisch School of the Arts. He served in the Air Force during the Viet Nam War and attained the rank of sergeant before being honorably discharged. He is married to Janet Taylor McCracken who is a food editor and recipe developer for publications such as Bon Appetit and Every Day with Rachael Ray. They have three children, Joanna, Dylan, and Claire, and two granddaughters, Bridget Eliza and Keira Jane. He is also the grandson of jazz clarinetist great, Bob McCracken. McCracken received a degree in creative writing from Goddard College.

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