George Shapiro, a renowned manager and producer in the comedy industry, has built a career around his passion for laughter and his admiration for those who can inspire it. He co-founded Shapiro/West Productions with his lifelong friend and partner, Howard West, and together they executive produced the Emmy, Peabody, and Golden Globe award-winning series "SEINFELD."
Born in the Bronx, Shapiro graduated from New York University with a degree in advertising and marketing. He began his career in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency in New York, where he quickly rose through the ranks and became an agent. Shapiro is responsible for packaging numerous hit television programs, including "THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW," "THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR," "THAT GIRL" starring Marlo Thomas, and "GOMER PYLE" starring Jim Nabors.
Shapiro also packaged specials for Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, and Carol Channing. These early shows not only left a lasting impact on audiences but also propelled many of the cast members to superstardom.
Shapiro eventually left the William Morris Agency to become a personal manager and producer. He managed Andy Kaufman, executive producing his special for Showtime, "ANDY KAUFMAN AT CARNEGIE HALL," as well as another for ABC, "ANDY'S FUNHOUSE," and for NBC, "A COMEDY SALUTE TO ANDY KAUFMAN." He also executive produced the Universal film "MAN ON THE MOON" starring Jim Carrey in the role of Andy Kaufman.
In addition to his work on "SEINFELD," Shapiro has produced numerous feature films, including "SUMMER RENTAL" starring John Candy and Rip Torn, "SUMMER SCHOOL" starring Mark Harmon and Kirsty Alley, and "SIBLING RIVALRY" starring Kirsty Alley and Jami Gertz.
Shapiro has also produced several documentaries, including "THE BRONX BOYS" (HBO-CINEMAX),"THE BRONX BOYS STILL PLAYING AT 80" (PBS),and "THE BRONX BOYS FINDING THE FUTURE" (in post-production). Currently featured on HBO is the critically acclaimed documentary feature film "IF YOU'RE NOT IN THE OBIT, EAT BREAFAST," produced by Shapiro and hosted by Carl Reiner.
On Broadway, Shapiro was one of the producers of "COLIN QUINN LONG STORY SHORT" at the Helen Hayes Theatre.
