Zack Estrin passed away on September 23 in Hermosa Beach, California. He was a renowned writer, producer, and showrunner best known for his work on Fox’s “Prison Break” and Netflix’s most recent reincarnation of “Lost in Space.” He was 51.
His longtime talent agency, WME, said Sunday that Estrin had passed away. Friends and family described Estrin as a talented writer and producer who was a kind mentor to others.
Estrin was believed to be in good physical health, therefore his passing has shocked relatives and friends. Estrin died under mysterious circumstances, but it is thought that he had a heart collapse while jogging on the beach.
Zack Estrin was “our everything,” according to a statement from Estrin’s family. “The best son, friend, parent, and spouse. He cherished seeing everyone smile. He enjoyed making people laugh. He cherished his role as a writer and producer and taking part in the development of popular shows. But his love for his family and friends came first. We appreciate your participation in both our lives and his.
Jonathan Estrin, a seasoned TV writer who from 2004 to 2007 also held the position of executive vice president of the American Film Institute, is one of Estrin’s survivors.
Ari Greenburg, head of WME, stated that “Zack was our customer for almost 25 years.” He mentored numerous writers and had a very successful career. We feel lucky to have him as a friend and are very proud of all his accomplishments.
People who shared the TV trenches with Estrin were quick to sing his praises. Jon Feldman, a co-showrunner who collaborated with Estrin on “Tru Calling” and other endeavours, referred to it as “an unimaginable loss.”
“Zack was a delight; he was kind, amusing, giving, and warm. It’s an incomprehensible loss to those of us who were fortunate enough to call him a friend,” Feldman told Variety. He was the very finest of them, not just a nice guy.
Estrin was reared in Brooklyn after being born in California. He studied at the University of Southern California and entered the film industry, working on movies including “O” and “Stranger Than Fiction.” He transitioned into television as a producer during the late 1990s drama boom on shows like “Charmed” and “Dawson’s Creek” on the WB Network and the fleeting “Tru Calling” on Fox.
His career progressed from there to writing and producing responsibilities on Fox’s high-profile action film “Prison Break.” He worked on the action-packed series for four seasons, eventually becoming a co-executive producer. In a statement to Variety, Matt Olmstead, who collaborated closely with Estrin as “Prison Break” showrunner and executive producer, referred to him as a “unifier” and “one of a kind.”
Olmstead described him as “an outstanding writer, equally talented with language and structure.” He attracted the proper people, which is what made him a terrific showrunner. The best writing was sought after to collaborate with him. He was popular with both writers’ assistants and executives. A unifier, he was. And that was a clear illustration of how benevolent, encouraging, supporting, and positive he was. You would smile if your phone buzzed and you looked down to see Zack calling. He was unique in every way.
Estrin produced three fantasy dramas for ABC during the previous ten years: “The Whispers” (2014–15), “The River” (2011–12), and “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” (2013-14). As showrunner and executive producer of the “Lost in Space” revival, which aired for three seasons from 2018 to 2021, Estrin was especially happy of the work he produced. His other works include the Fox dramas “Point Pleasant” and “The Good Guys” (2009–2010). (2004-05).
Along with his wife Kari Estrin and children Charlotte and Chloe, Estrin is also survived by his mother Patricia Estrin, sister Amelia Burstyn, stepbrother Dylan Arrants, stepsisters Julie List and Laura Humphrey, and stepsister Amelia Burstyn.
The Zack Estrin USC Scholarship Fund should be supported in place of flowers by sending a donation to PNG LLC, 11400 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 590, Los Angeles, CA 90064.
