Kenny Ortega | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Ortega in 2019 | |
| Born | Kenneth John Ortega April 18, 1950 Palo Alto, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Director Producer Choreographer Concert Creator |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Notable work | Newsies Hocus Pocus High School Musical Trilogy Michael Jackson's This Is It Descendants Julie and the Phantoms |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography (2006) Hollywood Walk of Fame (2019) Disney Legends Hall of Fame (2019) |
Kenneth "Kenny" John Ortega (born April 18, 1950) is an American director, producer, choreographer, and concert creator. He is most well-known for his work with Disney Channel, notably the High School Musical film trilogy, cult classics such as Newsies and Hocus Pocus, The Cheetah Girls 2, and the first three Descendants films. In 2019 he signed a five year deal with Netflix, producing the original series Julie and the Phantoms, which was cancelled after only one season. He has also choreographed multiple iconic 80's films such as, Xanadu, One from the Heart, St. Elmo's Fire, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and Dirty Dancing. Ortega has worked on multiple music videos and produced concert tours for the likes of, KISS, Cher, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, and Michael Jackson, notably the cancelled This is It Concert Residency. He also wrote, directed, and produced Jackson's posthumous documentary film, Michael Jackson's This Is It. For his work, Ortega was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Disney Legend Award in 2019.[1][2]
- ^ "Kenny Ortega Returns to Paradigm (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. March 21, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
- ^ Ellis, Alescia (August 5, 2021). "Kenny Ortaga". Hollywood Walk of Fame. Retrieved August 25, 2024.