Gary Ross on set

published on January 10, 2024

Gary Ross: an astonishing career

From political activism to filmmaking, Gary Ross has left his mark on the world of cinema. Discover the fascinating career of this versatile filmmaker.

A versatile figure

Gary Ross

Born in Los Angeles in 1956, Gary Ross is a key figure in the world of cinema. He is known as a screenwriter, producer, director and actor. From this childhood , he was immersed in the world of cinema.

His political commitment

Before entering the film industry, he tried his hand at other jobs, such as fishing. After entering the world of cinema, he quickly turned to politics. In 1972, he worked for a congressman, demonstrating his involvement in politics from the outset. He worked on three different presidential campaigns. He participated in Ted Kennedy’s failed presidential campaign. In 1992, he also participated in the successful election of Bill Clinton. He has written speeches and jokes for two politicians, Michael Dukakis and Bill Clinton.

His passion for film led him to the University of Pennsylvania, where he taught courses in film and social history.

his debut in cinema

Big movie poster

His film career began in 1988 with his first movie, "Big". The film, co-produced with Steven Spielberg's sister Anne Spielberg, won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and grossed 100 million dollars. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award, a prestigious prize awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Through his film adaptations, Gary Ross has demonstrated his ability to adapt literary works for the screen, for example with "Seabiscuit: An American Legend", based on the book by Laura Hillenbrand. However, he owes his success to his adaptation of Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" trilogy.

A few anecdotes

For the anecdote, it was his daughters who introduced him to the Hunger Games trilogy. He also immersed himself in reading the books overnight, captivated by the story. In view of his commitment to the Hunger Games project, Gary Ross made the decision to cancel production of Spider-Man 4. He directed only the first Hunger Games. This decision demonstrated his passion for the story of Katniss Everdeen, the fictional character, heroine and narrator of the Hunger Games trilogy.

A versatile figure

Gary Ross’s filmography is a testament to his versatility, creativity and commitment to storytelling in both politics and cinema. His influence continues today in the world of cinema.