Tom Shadyac

Tom Shadyac, a director, screenwriter, producer, and author, is known for his work in Hollywood, notably for directing comedy films such as "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective," "The Nutty Professor," "Liar, Liar," "Patch Adams," and "Bruce Almighty." These films have grossed nearly $2 billion.

In 2010, Shadyac shifted his focus and directed his first documentary, "I AM," which centers on two key questions: What's wrong with our world, and what can we do about it? This move marked his retirement from the comedy genre. Additionally, Shadyac has served as an executive producer for "Brian Banks" and has been recognized with the Humanitas Prize in the Documentaries category for "I AM" and the Audience Award for Best Fiction Feature at the LA Film Festival for "Brian Banks."

Beyond his work in film, Shadyac has been a professor of communication at Pepperdine University's Seaver College and has taught film at the University of Colorado Boulder. He currently teaches at the University of Memphis. Shadyac is also an author, having published "Life's Operating Manual" in 2013. More recently, in 2018, he opened a non-profit climbing gym and community center called Memphis Rox.

Following a 2007 bicycle accident that resulted in post-concussion syndrome, Shadyac made significant changes in his life. He sold most of his possessions, donated large sums, and opened a homeless shelter in Charlottesville, Virginia. Shadyac relocated to the exclusive Paradise Cove trailer park in Malibu, California, and wrote about his experiences in his book.

Shadyac, of Irish and Lebanese descent, is an outspoken Christian, equating the concept of "God" with "mystery source." He continues to inspire many through his public speaking engagements, sharing his belief in the human spirit. His television appearances include "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The View," "Nightline," and Rosie O'Donnell's nationally syndicated radio show. Shadyac has also received two Emmy nominations for his interviews of iconic documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and religious leader Irwin Kula for Outside TV.