After nearly six decades in the industry, legendary actor Zack Norman is dead, his family confirmed, with no foul play suspected as a cause of death. The actor, known for his role as Ira, the crocodile-loving antiquities smuggler in the 1884 film Romancing the Stone, touched various facets of the art through his decades-long career. After a life spent impacting the world through his art, Zack passed away at the ripe old age of 83.
Zack Norman’s Death Confirmed After Six Decades in Hollywood
Zack Norman’s son-in-law, Jeff Briller, confirmed him dead in a statement to Deadline. Per the statement, the Hollywood legend died of natural causes on Sunday, April 28, at the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.
Although best known as Ira on Romancing the Stone, Zack Norman wasn’t always an acting sensation. Born Howard Zucker in May 1940, the late icon began his entertainment career as a stand-up comedian, performing in Playboy clubs. After spending the sixties building his comedic presence, the icon eventually landed a stand-up comedy gig on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, marking his TV debut.
By the seventies, the renowned comedian had already established himself as a household name, starring in a handful of films. Some of Zack Norman’s most notable works include Romancing the Stone, Cadillac Man, America, Hollywood Dreams, Ovation,and Chief-Zabu. Additionally, he tried his hands on directing and production as well, cementing his prominence. But before embracing the Hollywood dream, Zack trod a different path.
He obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School in the early sixties. Zack soon embraced his comedic act, performing with the Temptations in clubs like the Flamingo and Copacabana. He eventually relocated to Europe in 1966 to work the U.S. Army base circuit in Frankfurt, Germany. His opportunity to star on the Tonight Show soon came calling, shining a bright light on Zack Norman’s entertainment career until his death in 2024.
Zack left behind his wife, Nancy Norman, his sister Jane, his four kids, a brood of grandchildren, and a portfolio of artistic materials that leave their imprint on his legacy.
