Craig Mazin Bio
Craig Mazin (born 1971) is an American filmmaker. He is best known for creating, writing, and producing the HBO historical disaster drama miniseries Chernobyl (2019) and co-creating, co-writing, and executive producing the HBO post-apocalyptic drama series The Last of Us (2023–present), the latter alongside Neil Druckmann. For the former, he won Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Limited Series. Prior to his dramatic work, Mazin was primarily known for his work on comedy films such as Scary Movie 3 (2003), Scary Movie 4 (2006), Superhero Movie (2008), The Hangover Part II (2011), The Hangover Part III, and Identity Thief (both 2013).
Early Life and Background
Craig Mazin was born to Ashkenazi Jewish parents in New York City, specifically in the Brooklyn borough, in 1971. He grew up in Staten Island and later moved to Marlboro Township, New Jersey, as a teenager. Mazin attended Freehold High School in Freehold Borough, New Jersey, where he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2010. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in psychology from Princeton University in 1992. During his freshman year, he shared a room with future Republican politician Ted Cruz, whom he has described unfavorably in interviews.
Path to Hollywood
Craig Mazin began his entertainment career in the mid-1990s as a marketing executive with Walt Disney Pictures. In this role, he was responsible for writing and producing marketing campaigns for various studio films. He made his screenwriting debut with the 1997 sci-fi comedy RocketMan, which he co-wrote with his then-writing partner Greg Erb. His subsequent work included writing for films such as Senseless, Scary Movie 3, Scary Movie 4, and Identity Thief. In addition to writing, Mazin has directed two films: The Specials (2000) and Superhero Movie (2008), the latter of which he also wrote and made a cameo appearance in.
Craig Mazin Career
Early Career (1997–2006)
Craig Mazin’s early career was marked by his contributions to comedy films. He co-wrote both Hangover sequels, The Hangover Part II and The Hangover Part III, and executive produced School for Scoundrels. His work in this genre helped establish his reputation in Hollywood. In 2004, he was elected to the board of directors of the Writers Guild of America, West, a position he held until 2006. Along with fellow former WGA board member Ted Elliott, Mazin ran a website called The Artful Writer, which focused on issues relevant to working screenwriters until its closure in 2011.
Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Mazin’s breakthrough came with the announcement of Chernobyl, a five-part drama miniseries created by him about the infamous Chernobyl disaster. The series aired in 2019 and received critical acclaim for its writing and production. Mazin’s approach emphasized the dangers of lying and arrogance, rather than solely focusing on the hazards of nuclear power. Following this success, he was tapped to co-write and co-executive produce the television series adaptation of the video game The Last of Us for HBO, which premiered in January 2023. This adaptation has further solidified his status in the industry.
Notable Works and Milestones
Craig Mazin’s signature works include Chernobyl and The Last of Us, both of which have garnered significant acclaim. His contributions to these series have earned him multiple awards and nominations, showcasing his talent in both writing and producing.
Craig Mazin Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Craig Mazin has received several nominations for his work, particularly for his writing on Chernobyl, which won him Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Limited Series.
Craig Mazin Awards Won
Craig Mazin has won multiple awards for his work, including Primetime Emmy Awards for his contributions to Chernobyl, highlighting his excellence in writing and production.
Craig Mazin Family
Craig Mazin is married to Melissa Mazin, and together they have two children. Details about his family life remain private, but he has expressed his commitment to his family in various interviews.
Personal Life
In addition to his professional achievements, Craig Mazin supported Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. He also has a tattoo of a switchblade belonging to Ellie, a character from The Last of Us, on his arm. This personal detail reflects his deep connection to his work and the characters he creates.
