Michael Gottlieb

Biography

Michael Bernard Gottlieb (April 12, 1945 – May 23, 2014) was an American film director, screenwriter, and producer best known for a handful of popular fantasy comedies in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Early Life and Directing Career

Born in New York, Gottlieb began his entertainment career as a screenwriter before moving into directing. He made his directorial debut with the film for which he is most recognized: the 1987 fantasy romantic comedy, Mannequin. The film, which he also co-wrote, became a surprise box office success, featuring a department store window dresser who falls in love with a mannequin that comes to life.

Following this hit, he went on to direct a few other family and comedy films, often taking on screenwriting duties as well.

Notable Filmography

Gottlieb's directing credits include:

Mannequin (1987): His directorial debut and biggest hit.

The Shrimp on the Barbie (1990): A comedy filmed in Australia.

Mr. Nanny (1993): Starring Hulk Hogan.

A Kid in King Arthur's Court (1995): A Disney fantasy-adventure that featured early roles for both Kate Winslet and Daniel Craig.

He also contributed to the screenplay for the sequel, Mannequin Two: On the Move (1991).

Transition to Video Games and Later Life

Following the release of A Kid in King Arthur's Court, Gottlieb largely transitioned out of film directing and into the video game industry, working as a producer for much of the remainder of his active career in entertainment.

In his later years, Gottlieb worked as a professor of film at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he taught screenwriting. He died in 2014 at the age of 69 in a motorcycle accident.