Kenny Ortega

@Film Producer, Family and Childhood

Kenny Ortega is an American film and television producer and director

Apr 18, 1950

CaliforniaAmericanUniversity Of California, Los AngelesChoreographersFilm & Theater PersonalitiesDirectorsT V & Movie ProducersAries Celebrities
Biography

Personal Details

  • Birthday: April 18, 1950
  • Nationality: American
  • Famous: Film Producer, University Of California, Los Angeles, Choreographers, Film & Theater Personalities, Directors, T V & Movie Producers
  • City/State: California
  • Siblings: Debra Lee Ortega, Mark Ortega
  • Known as: Kenneth John Ortega
  • Universities:
    • University Of California, Los Angeles

Kenny Ortega born at

Palo Alto, California

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Birth Place

Kenny Ortega is most probably single and there is not much known about his personal life. There are rumors that he might be gay.

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Personal Life

Kenny Ortega was born in Palo Alto, California, on 18th April 1950 to Octavio Ortega and Madeline Ortega. His mother used to work as a waitress while his father worked in a factory. He studied at Sequoia High School, situated in Redwood City, California.

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Childhood & Early Life

Kenny Ortega began his film career as a choreographer in the 1980 romantic fantasy musical film ‘Xanadu’. He worked alongside choreographer Gene Kelly. Other films he worked as a choreographer in include ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ (1985), ’Pretty in Pink’ (1986) and ‘Dirty Dancing’ (1987). He has won awards for his work in popular music videos such as ‘Material Girl’ by Madonna.

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Career

He began his career as a director with the 1992 musical comedy film ‘Newsies’. He served as the choreographer as well. The movie starred actors Christian Bale, Bill Pullman, Ann Margret and Robert Duvall. The film was a commercial failure and received mixed to negative reviews. The film was also nominated for five Razzie Awards, including the ones for ‘Worst Film’ and ‘Worst Director’. However, when it was adapted to the stage, it was a huge success, earning eight nominations for the Tony Awards.

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Career

In 1993, he directed as well as served as the choreographer for the American comedy horror fantasy film ‘Hocus Pocus’. It starred actors Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker in lead roles. The film turned out to be an average commercial success. Though it was initially met with negative reviews, it has received a cult status over the years.

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Career

His next movie ‘To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar’ was released in 1995. It starred actors such as Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, John Leguizamo and Stockard Channing. Leguizamo’s and Swayze’s performances earned them nominations for the Golden Globe Award. In 1998, he served as a choreographer for the animated film ‘Quest for Camelot’. The film was a commercial failure.

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Career

Kenny Ortega had begun directing TV shows in 1988, and over the course of his career, he has directed episodes of several TV shows such as ‘Hull High’, ‘Second’, ‘Grounded for Life’ and ‘Gilmore Girls’.

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Career

‘The High School Musical’ trilogy is undoubtedly the most important and successful work of Kenny Ortega’s career. The first two movies, which were released on television, became the most watched TV movies of the years. The third one, which was released theatrically, earned more than $250 million on a mere budget of $11 million. The films won several awards and gained a cult-following as well. A spin-off TV series is also in development.

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Major Works