Robert Kenneth Shaye (born March 3 1939), often referred to as Bob Shaye, is an American businessman, film producer, director and actor. He is the co-founder of the film production and distribution company New Line Cinema with Michael Lynne. He held the position of Co-chairman and Co-CEO until February 28, 2008, when he and COO Michael Lynne resigned after New Line Cinema was absorbed into Time Warner. He is also the brother of actress Lin Shaye.
Shaye was born in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Dorothy (née Katz) and Max Mendle Shaye, a supermarket owner and artist. He is a graduate of Detroit's Mumford High School and the University of Michigan.
After achieving initial success with the release of the hugely successful horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street, Shaye's New Line Cinema has been responsible for numerous mega-franchises such as The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, The Austin Powers series, The Nightmare on Elm Street series, the Rush Hour series and The Final Destination series, as well as successful individual releases such as American History X, Jim Carrey's The Mask, Se7en, and more recently, Snakes on a Plane.
Shaye produced the original A Nightmare on Elm Street, and contributed a number of his own ideas to the film, including the sticky staircase. He has directed two films for New Line, 1990's Book of Love and 2007's The Last Mimzy.
Brother of Lin Shaye
Co-chairman & Co-CEO of New Line Cinema with Michael Lynne.
Ranked #8 in Premiere's 2003 annual Power 100 List with New Line co-topper Michael Lynne. They had ranked #25 in 2002.
Ranked #20 on Premiere's 2006 "Power 50" list along with New Line co-topper Michael Lynne. They had ranked #17 in 2005.
