Chris Columbus
Born:10. september 1958
Place of Birth:Spangler, Pennsylvania, USA
Known For:Directing
Biography
Christopher Joseph Columbus, a visionary American filmmaker, was born on September 10, 1958, in the small town of Spangler, Pennsylvania. His passion for storytelling through film was ignited during his time studying at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. It was there that Columbus honed his craft and developed a keen interest in the art of filmmaking.
Making his mark in the industry, Columbus began his career by writing screenplays for iconic teen comedies such as "Gremlins," "The Goonies," and "Young Sherlock Holmes" in the mid-1980s. His directorial debut came with the thrilling teen adventure "Adventures in Babysitting" in 1987, showcasing his knack for creating engaging and entertaining narratives.
Columbus skyrocketed to fame with the heartwarming Christmas comedy "Home Alone" in 1990, followed by its equally successful sequel, "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" in 1992. His talent for blending humor with heartwarming storytelling captivated audiences worldwide, establishing him as a prominent figure in Hollywood.
The comedy classic "Mrs. Doubtfire" in 1993, starring the legendary Robin Williams, further solidified Columbus's reputation as a director capable of delivering box-office hits. Despite facing mixed reviews for some of his projects in the 1990s, Columbus made a triumphant return with his masterful adaptations of J. K. Rowling's beloved novels, directing "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001) and its sequel, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (2002).
Beyond his directorial endeavors, Columbus co-founded 1492 Pictures, a successful film production company in 1995, and later ventured into new territory by establishing Maiden Voyage Pictures with his daughter in 2014. His creative genius extended to the realm of animation when he launched ZAG Animation Studios in 2017, showcasing his versatility and innovative spirit in the industry.
Collaborating closely with acclaimed composer John Williams, Columbus crafted unforgettable cinematic experiences in films like "Home Alone" and the enchanting Harry Potter series. His ability to evoke emotions, spark imagination, and create timeless stories has left an indelible mark on the world of filmmaking, cementing his legacy as a visionary director with a gift for captivating audiences of all ages.
Images
Filmografi
Skuespill
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Man in Toy Store (uncredited)
1992
Instead of flying to Florida with his folks, Kevin ends up alone in New York, where he gets a hotel room with his dad's credit card—despite problems from a clerk and meddling bellboy. But when Kevin runs into his old nemeses, the Wet Bandits, he's determined to foil their plans to rob a toy store on Christmas Eve.
Music by John Williams
Self - Filmmaker
2024
His unforgettable scores are an essential part of some of the most beloved movies of our time, over a career that spans decades. See and hear maestro John Williams' own story, with insights from filmmakers, musicians, and others he has inspired, complete with rare behind-the-scenes looks at the making of movie history.
Produksjon
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Executive Producer
2001
Harry Potter has lived under the stairs at his aunt and uncle's house his whole life. But on his 11th birthday, he learns he's a powerful wizard—with a place waiting for him at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As he learns to harness his newfound powers with the help of the school's kindly headmaster, Harry uncovers the truth about his parents' deaths—and about the villain who's to blame.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Executive Producer
2002
Cars fly, trees fight back, and a mysterious house-elf comes to warn Harry Potter at the start of his second year at Hogwarts. Adventure and danger await when bloody writing on a wall announces: The Chamber Of Secrets Has Been Opened. To save Hogwarts will require all of Harry, Ron and Hermione’s magical abilities and courage.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Producer
2004
Year three at Hogwarts means new fun and challenges as Harry learns the delicate art of approaching a Hippogriff, transforming shape-shifting Boggarts into hilarity and even turning back time. But the term also brings danger: soul-sucking Dementors hover over the school, an ally of the accursed He-Who-Cannot-Be-Named lurks within the castle walls, and fearsome wizard Sirius Black escapes Azkaban. And Harry will confront them all.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Director
1992
Instead of flying to Florida with his folks, Kevin ends up alone in New York, where he gets a hotel room with his dad's credit card—despite problems from a clerk and meddling bellboy. But when Kevin runs into his old nemeses, the Wet Bandits, he's determined to foil their plans to rob a toy store on Christmas Eve.
Mrs. Doubtfire
Director
1993
Loving but irresponsible dad Daniel Hillard, estranged from his exasperated spouse, is crushed by a court order allowing only weekly visits with his kids. When Daniel learns his ex needs a housekeeper, he gets the job -- disguised as a British nanny. Soon he becomes not only his children's best pal but the kind of parent he should have been from the start.
The Help
Producer
2011
Aibileen Clark is a middle-aged African-American maid who has spent her life raising white children and has recently lost her only son; Minny Jackson is an African-American maid who has often offended her employers despite her family's struggles with money and her desperate need for jobs; and Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is a young white woman who has recently moved back home after graduating college to find out her childhood maid has mysteriously disappeared. These three stories intertwine to explain how life in Jackson, Mississippi revolves around "the help"; yet they are always kept at a certain distance because of racial lines.
Fantastic Four
Executive Producer
2005
During a space voyage, four scientists are altered by cosmic rays: Reed Richards gains the ability to stretch his body; Sue Storm can become invisible; Johnny Storm controls fire; and Ben Grimm is turned into a super-strong … thing. Together, these "Fantastic Four" must now thwart the evil plans of Dr. Doom and save the world from certain destruction.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Producer
2010
Accident prone teenager, Percy discovers he's actually a demi-God, the son of Poseidon, and he is needed when Zeus' lightning is stolen. Percy must master his new found skills in order to prevent a war between the Gods that could devastate the entire world.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Executive Producer
2007
The Fantastic Four return to the big screen as a new and all powerful enemy threatens the Earth. The seemingly unstoppable 'Silver Surfer', but all is not what it seems and there are old and new enemies that pose a greater threat than the intrepid superheroes realize.
Stepmom
Producer
1998
Jackie is a divorced mother of two. Isabel is the career minded girlfriend of Jackie’s ex-husband Luke, forced into the role of unwelcome stepmother to their children. But when Jackie discovers she is ill, both women realise they must put aside their differences to find a common ground and celebrate life to the fullest, while they have the chance.
Gremlins 2: The New Batch
Characters
1990
Young sweethearts Billy and Kate move to the Big Apple, land jobs in a high-tech office park and soon reunite with the friendly and lovable Gizmo. But a series of accidents creates a whole new generation of Gremlins. The situation worsens when the devilish green creatures invade a top-secret laboratory and develop genetically altered powers, making them even harder to destroy!
Scoob!
Executive Producer
2020
In Scooby-Doo’s greatest adventure yet, see the never-before told story of how lifelong friends Scooby and Shaggy first met and how they joined forces with young detectives Fred, Velma, and Daphne to form the famous Mystery Inc. Now, with hundreds of cases solved, Scooby and the gang face their biggest, toughest mystery ever: an evil plot to unleash the ghost dog Cerberus upon the world. As they race to stop this global “dogpocalypse,” the gang discovers that Scooby has a secret legacy and an epic destiny greater than anyone ever imagined.
Jingle All the Way
Producer
1996
Howard Langston, a salesman for a mattress company, is constantly kept busy at his job, disappointing his son. After he misses his son's karate exposition, Howard vows to make it up to him by buying an action figure of his son's favorite television hero for Christmas. Unfortunately for Howard, it is Christmas Eve, and every store is sold out of Turbo Man. Now, Howard must travel all over town and compete with everybody else to find a Turbo Man action figure.
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Producer
2009
Hapless museum night watchman Larry Daley must help his living, breathing exhibit friends out of a pickle now that they've been transferred to the archives at the Smithsonian Institution. Larry's (mis)adventures this time include close encounters with Amelia Earhart, Abe Lincoln and Ivan the Terrible.
Bicentennial Man
Producer
1999
Richard Martin buys a gift, a new NDR-114 robot. The product is named Andrew by the youngest of the family's children. "Bicentennial Man" follows the life and times of Andrew, a robot purchased as a household appliance programmed to perform menial tasks. As Andrew begins to experience emotions and creative thought, the Martin family soon discovers they don't have an ordinary robot.
Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again
Executive Producer
2022
Nick Daley is following in his father's footsteps as night watchman at the American Museum of Natural History, so he knows what happens when the sun goes down. But when the maniacal ruler Kahmunrah escapes, it is up to Nick to save the museum once and for all.
Rent
Producer
2005
This rock opera tells the story of one year in the life of a group of bohemians struggling in late 1980s East Village, New York, USA. The film centers around Mark and Roger, two roommates. While a tragedy has made Roger numb to new experiences, Mark begins capturing their world through his attempts to make a personal movie. In the year that follows, they and their friends deal with love, loss, and working together.
Young Sherlock Holmes
Screenplay
1985
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson meet as boys in an English Boarding school. Holmes is known for his deductive ability even as a youth, amazing his classmates with his abilities. When they discover a plot to murder a series of British business men by an Egyptian cult, they move to stop it.
Christmas with the Kranks
Producer
2004
When their only daughter Blair leaves the family nest, Luther and Nora Krank decide to book an island cruise to beat the yuletide blues and just skip the holidays. But their decision to boycott tradition has the whole neighborhood in an uproar, and when Blair calls on Christmas Eve to announce a surprise visit with her new fiancée, the Kranks have just twelve hours to perform a miracle and pull themselves and their neighbors together to throw the best celebration ever!
Monkeybone
Executive Producer
2001
After a car crash sends repressed cartoonist Stu into a coma, he and the mischievous Monkeybone, his hilarious alter-ego, wake up in a wacked-out waystation for lost souls. When Monkeybone takes over Stu's body and escapes to wreak havoc on the real world, Stu has to find a way to stop him before his sister pulls the plug on reality forever!