Zack Norman dead at 83: Romancing The Stone star who played crocodile-loving smuggler in iconic 1984 film passes away from natural causes
Actor Zack Norman has died aged 83.
The star, who was best known for his role as crocodile-loving antiquities smuggler Ira in 1984’s Romancing The Stone, passed away on Sunday night from ‘natural causes’ at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, his son-in-law confirmed to Deadline.
He also starred in 1990’s Cadillac Man and TV series The Nanny from 1993-1995.
Norman is survived by his wife, Nancy; sister Jane; daughters Lori and Tracy; sons Stephen and Michael; and grandchildren Sascha, Addison, Benjamin, Henry, Liliana, Jonathan, Justin, Jayden, Jackie, Gabrielle, Rachel, Susie, Joseph and Seth.
Born Howard Zuker on May 27, 1940, Norman received an MBA from Harvard Business School before entering the world of entertainment.
Actor Zack Norman has died aged 83 – pictured 2010
The star, who was best known for his role as crocodile-loving antiquities smuggler Ira in 1984’s Romancing The Stone (pictured), passed away on Sunday night from ‘natural causes
He worked as a comedian in the 1960s, performing at the Playboy Clubs, the Flamingo and Copacabana with the Temptations.
In 1966 he left for Europe to work the U.S. Army base circuit operating out of Frankfurt, Germany, playing army clubs throughout Western Europe.
Norman made his television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson on April 28, 1969.
He starred in numerous films in the 1970s before shooting to fame as Cousin Ira in Robert Zemeckis’ legendary film Romancing The Stone alongside Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny Devito.
Ira was known for his love for crocodiles, declaring: ‘Look at those snappers!’ in a memorable line.
Norman went onto star in 1986 comedy America and co-directed and starred in 1988’s Chief Zabu,
He partnered with filmmaker Jaglom on nine movies including 1992’s Venice/Venice, Festival in Cannes (2001), Hollywood Dreams (2006) and Ovation (2015).
Norman played Harry Munchack in 1990 film Cadillac Man opposite Robin Williams, Tim Robbins and Fran Drescher.
Norman’s character was known for declaring ‘Look at those snappers!’ in the Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner comedy (pictured)
He starred on three episodes of The Nanny and also guest starred in the two-part Judgement Day episodes of The A-Team in 1985.
Norman also appeared in a 1993 episode of Baywatch.
Norman was also a prolific art collector, acquiring five pieces by Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose Untitled sold in May 2017 at Sotheby’s New York for $110.5 million.
In 1982, Norman purchased Hannibal from Basquiat in the artist’s studio for $3200. That piece sold on October 9, 2016, at Sotheby’s London for £10.6 million.
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