Zack Estrin, a prolific TV producer who most recently revived the 1960s science fiction show Lost in Space for Netflix, went yesterday at the age of 51. Hollywood is still reeling over Estrin’s untimely death, which has sent shockwaves across the industry despite the fact that the renowned producer and screenwriter appeared to be in good condition only days before he passed away. Reportedly, Estrin had a heart attack and died abruptly while out for a jog on Hermosa Beach, California. However, this is conjectural; an autopsy will be conducted to determine the true cause of death.
His mourning family released a statement confirming his death after the tragic occurrence on September 23. Zack Estrin was the centre of our universe. He is an ideal family member in every way: husband, father, son, and friend. It brought him great joy to see others smile. He was always trying to lighten the mood. In his role as a writer and producer, he was able to contribute to the making of shows that audiences adored. However, his family and friends were his top priority. To everyone who has touched his and our lives, we are eternally grateful.
Also confirming the writer-passing producer was his longstanding talent agency, WME. For almost 25 years, Zack was one of WME’s most loyal clients, according to WME President Ari Greenburg. He influenced a great many authors over his career. Our lives are richer for having known him, and we rejoice in his success. Estrin, who was born in Woodland, California but reared in Brooklyn, New York, moved back to California to attend the University of Southern California. Estrin went directly from college to a career as a producer in the film and television industry.
Early cinematic credits for Estrin include the comedy-thriller Stranger Than Fiction and the contemporary version of William Shakespeare’s epic tragedy Othello. Once Estrin had established himself as a screenwriter, he moved on to producing for the small screen. His humour and genius helped make programmes like Charmed, Dawson’s Creek, and Tru Calling huge hits with fans. Then came Prison Break on Fox, which quickly became one of the most watched series in its time slot. Before being promoted to co-executive producer alongside Matt Olmstead and Dawn Parouse, he was responsible for the show’s writing and production.
Before his tragic death, Estrin and Olmstead were planning to bring the show back, starting with a spin-off called Prison Break: Cherry Hill. Olmstead, Estrin’s former coworker, remembers him as “an exceptional writer, equally skilled with language and structure,” and he was an integral component of Prison Break’s success. He recruited the kind of talented people who made him a successful showrunner. Authors were eager to collaborate with him and provide their finest work. It wasn’t just the authors’ assistants who loved him; executives did, too. Olmstead remarked, “He brought people together.
The Netflix original series Lost in Space, which Estrin oversaw as showrunner and executive producer for its entire three-season run from 2018 to 2021, brought her to prominence in more recent years. Before his untimely death, Estrin had an overall agreement with Netflix and was working on further episodes for the service. Zack was a dear friend and collaborator whose writing inspired us to take risks and hold fast to our families. Netflix’s vice president of programming, Matt Thunell, lamented, “His vision and enthusiasm will be sorely missed.”