Jonathan Kaufer, American director and screenwriter (d. 2013)

Jonathan David Kaufer (March 14, 1955 – October 2, 2013) was an American talent whose diverse career spanned film directing, screenwriting, and occasional acting. His journey in Hollywood, though marked by significant achievements and extended pauses, left an undeniable impact, particularly through his early start as a writer and his critically acclaimed directorial efforts.

An Early Start in Hollywood and Directorial Breakthrough

Kaufer's entry into the entertainment industry was remarkably precocious. While still in his late teens, he landed a coveted writing position for the incredibly popular sitcom Mork & Mindy. This show, a cultural phenomenon of its time, captivated audiences with its unique blend of comedy and science fiction, providing Kaufer with valuable early experience in a bustling writers' room. This foundational work soon caught the attention of established filmmaker Howard Zieff, who enlisted Kaufer for script rewrites on his projects. Kaufer's skilled contributions to the 1979 film The Main Event proved to be a pivotal moment in his career, directly leading to a significant development deal. This deal paved the way for his directorial debut, the romantic comedy Soup for One. A remarkable achievement for a young artist, Kaufer’s helming of this feature made him, at the time, the youngest director ever hired by a major studio, a testament to his burgeoning talent and promise.

A Seventeen-Year Hiatus and Critical Return

Following his impressive debut, Jonathan Kaufer embarked on a surprising seventeen-year hiatus from directing feature films. However, this period was not one of complete inactivity. He remained involved in the industry, taking on acting roles in two films and demonstrating his versatile skills by writing and directing an episode of the acclaimed television series Dream On. His eventual return to the director's chair came in 1997 with the release of Bad Manners. Based on a play by David Gilman, this film marked Kaufer's second and final directorial effort. It proved to be a critical success, earning an impressive 84% approval rating on the popular film review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing his enduring creative vision and ability to craft well-received stories.

Personal Life, Legal Challenges, and Tragic Passing

Jonathan Kaufer's personal life also drew public attention, at times for contentious reasons. He was in a relationship with model and actress Myra Jean Hall. However, after learning she had been involved with another man, Kaufer became enraged and attacked her, an incident that led to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment for attempted murder. Later in life, he married actress Pia Zadora in August 1995. Their marriage lasted until November 2001, and together they had one son. In 2010, Kaufer initiated legal proceedings against Zadora, alleging defamation over claims she had made. The case, however, was ultimately dismissed. Tragically, Jonathan David Kaufer's life came to an end on October 2, 2013, at the age of 58, when he was ejected from a vehicle during a drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jonathan David Kaufer

What was Jonathan David Kaufer primarily known for?

He was primarily known as an American film director and screenwriter, though he also had occasional acting roles. His early career included writing for the sitcom Mork & Mindy, and he directed films like Soup for One and Bad Manners.

When did Jonathan David Kaufer make his directorial debut?

He made his directorial debut with the romantic comedy Soup for One. At the time of its release, he was the youngest director ever hired by a major studio.

What was Jonathan Kaufer's final film?

His final directorial work was the 1997 film Bad Manners, which garnered positive critical reviews.

What notable TV show did Jonathan Kaufer write for early in his career?

Early in his career, in his late teens, Jonathan Kaufer secured a writing position for the popular and culturally significant sitcom Mork & Mindy.