George Shapiro facts for kids

George Shapiro (born May 18, 1931 – died May 26, 2022) was a famous American talent manager and TV producer. He helped many stars become successful in show business. George was best known for working with comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Carl Reiner, and Andy Kaufman. He also helped produce the super popular TV show Seinfeld.

Early Life and School

George Shapiro was born in the Bronx, New York, on May 18, 1931. His dad worked with furs, and his mom was a social activist. George met his future business partner, Howard West, when they were both in third grade. When George was 12, the famous comedian Carl Reiner married his aunt. This made Carl Reiner his uncle! George went to DeWitt Clinton High School and then studied at New York University (NYU).

Starting a Career in Entertainment

After finishing his studies at NYU in 1953, George worked in the United States Army for two years. Then, he got a job in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency in New York City. This was a big company that helped people in entertainment. George worked hard and soon became an agent. One of his first jobs was to go with Elvis Presley when he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.

George later started helping create whole TV shows. He helped put together popular shows like The Steve Allen Show, That Girl starring Marlo Thomas, and Gomer Pyle. He also helped create special TV shows for stars like Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, and Carol Channing.

Becoming a Manager and Producer

George Shapiro decided to leave William Morris to become a personal manager and producer. He teamed up with his friend and partner, Howard West. They created their own company called Shapiro/West Productions. Together, they were executive producers for the hit TV series Seinfeld. This show won many awards, including Emmys, Peabodys, and Golden Globes.

George was also the personal manager for the unique comedian Andy Kaufman for many years. He helped produce TV specials for Andy, like Andy Kaufman at Carnegie Hall. George was also an executive producer for the 1999 movie Man on the Moon. This movie was about Andy Kaufman's life. Jim Carrey played Andy, and Danny DeVito played George Shapiro in the film. George even had a small role in the movie himself! He also played an important part in the documentary Comedian.

In 2012, many people from the world of comedy gathered to honor George Shapiro. He received the first Lifetime of Bliss Award. George shared that he had been practicing Transcendental Meditation for 28 years.

Personal Life

George Shapiro was married to Melody. They had three children together: Danny, Carrie, and Stefanie. George passed away peacefully at his home in Beverly Hills, California on May 26, 2022. He was 91 years old.

Notable Productions and Appearances

George Shapiro was involved in many projects as a producer and sometimes as an actor.

• He was an executive producer for all 173 episodes of Seinfeld from 1989 to 1998.
• He produced comedy specials for Jerry Seinfeld and Elayne Boosler.
• He also produced the movie Man on the Moon in 1999.
• Later, he produced documentaries like The Bronx Boys and The Seinfeld Story.
• He appeared as himself in documentaries such as Comedian and If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast.

Awards and Recognition

George Shapiro was nominated for and won several Primetime Emmy Awards for his work.

• He won an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1993 for Seinfeld.
• He was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series many other times for Seinfeld.
• He also received Emmy nominations for A Comedy Salute to Andy Kaufman and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.