Paula Wagner

Paula Wagner is a renowned American film producer and talent agent who has also made a name for herself on Broadway. Born on December 12, 1946, in Youngstown, Ohio, Wagner began her career as an actress and dancer before transitioning to producing.

Wagner's Broadway credits include serving as a co-producer for the Tony Award-winning productions of "The Heiress" (1995), "The Last Night of Ballyhoo" (1997), and "The Graduate" (2002). She also produced the critically acclaimed "The Mercy Seat" (2002) and "The Exonerated" (2003). Her most recent Broadway production was "Pretty Woman: The Musical" (2018), which received mixed reviews but was a commercial success.
Before her success on Broadway, Wagner worked as a talent agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Los Angeles. During her time at CAA, she represented some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Val Kilmer. Wagner and Cruise formed a partnership in 1993 and founded the production company Cruise/Wagner Productions. The company's first film was "Mission: Impossible" (1996), which was a massive box office success and spawned a franchise that continues to this day.
Over the years, Wagner has produced many other successful films, including "The Others" (2001), "Vanilla Sky" (2001), and "War of the Worlds" (2005). She also produced the Tony Scott-directed thriller "Deja Vu" (2006), which starred Denzel Washington. In addition to her work in film and theater, Wagner has served as a producer on several television shows, including "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill" (1990-1992) and "The Lot" (1999-2001).
Wagner's career has not been without its challenges, however. In 2008, she left Cruise/Wagner Productions and formed her own production company, Chestnut Ridge Productions. Her first film under the new banner was "Death Race" (2008), which received mixed reviews. Wagner's next film, "The Eye" (2008), was also a critical disappointment.
Despite these setbacks, Wagner has continued to produce films and remains a respected figure in the entertainment industry. In 2013, she produced the crime drama "Jack Reacher," which starred Tom Cruise. The film was a moderate success and led to a sequel, "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" (2016).
Wagner has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors throughout her career. She is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Fulfillment Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged students attend college. She has also served on the Board of Directors of the National Mentoring Partnership and the American Cinematheque.
In conclusion, Paula Wagner is a talented and accomplished producer who has made a significant impact on both Broadway and Hollywood. Her contributions to the entertainment industry are numerous, and she continues to be an influential figure in the world of film and theater. Her most recent work includes producing the 2016 film "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back."