Jeff McCracken

'Jeff McCracken' (qv) grew up in Chicago. Upon leaving the Air Force, Jeff studied with 'Sanford Meisner' (qv) and 'Bill Alderson' (qv) at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City and then throughout his career with 'Stella Adler' (qv), 'Jack Garfein' (qv), and 'Larry Moss' (qv). He's starred on Broadway, off-Broadway, and at Circle Repertory Company in New York City, where he originated roles in new works by such playwrights as 'Lanford Wilson' (qv), 'Beth Henley' (qv), and 'Lee Kalcheim' (qv). While on Broadway, Jeff was cast by 'Steven Bochco' (qv) to star in _Bay City Blues (1983)_ (qv), a short-lived television series about minor league baseball. A few years later while starring opposite 'Shirley MacLaine' (qv) and 'Teri Garr' (qv) in _Waiting for the Light (1990)_ (qv) he was asked to help produce "One Cup Of Coffee," a feature film that eventually won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival that was subsequently distributed by Miramax as _Pastime (1990)_ (qv). Based on the film's critical reception he was next offered a chance to develop material at the Walt Disney Company, where he developed and co-produced the motion picture _Quiz Show (1994)_ (qv) directed by 'Robert Redford' (qv) that received an Academy Award nomination and numerous awards including the New York Film Critics Award for Best Picture. As a director, Jeff has directed over seventy episodes of television, including 'Steven Bochco' (qv)'s _NYPD Blue (1993)_ (qv) as well as having developed, produced and directed many shows that include _Boy Meets World (1993)_ (qv) _Dinosaurs (1991)_ (qv) _Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane (1999)_ (qv). Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Creative Writing from Goddard College. Jeff was also an Associate Professor at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts from 2008-2012 before moving back to the east coast. Guild Memberships: DGA, SAG, AEA, DGC. He is grandson to Bob McCracken, jazz clarinetist with 'Louis Armstrong' (qv), 'Benny Goodman' (qv), 'Jack Teagarden' (qv), and 'Kid Ory' (qv).::Adam Francis