Jerry Bruckheimer is one of the most successful producers of all time, having produced films that have generated over $4 Billion in box office receipts. He began his filmmaking career as an award-winning commercial producer in his native Detroit. After spending another four years on Madison Avenue at BBD&O, he moved to Hollywood and was soon producing films such as "Cat People"and "American Gigolo."

Also among those early films was 1983's "Flashdance", a film that changed Bruckheimer's life by becoming a sleeper hit (grossing $100 million in the U.S. alone) and pairing him with an old acquaintance, producer Don Simpson, who would be his partner for the next 14 years.

In one of the most prolific partnerships in recent motion picture history, Bruckheimer and Simpson produced films that were honored with 15 Academy Award nominations, two Oscars for Best Song, four Grammys, three Golden Globes, two People's Choice Awards for Best Picture, and an MTV Award for Best Picture of the Decade. Equally important to Bruckheimer as a creative force was the fact that the films were turning their stars into box office giants. "Beverly Hills Cop" launched Eddie Murphy's film career, and "Top Gun" made Tom Cruise an international superstar. 

Credit: neowebz.com