Chris Kreski

Christopher Kreski (July 31, 1962 – May 9, 2005) was an American writer, biographer and screenwriter.

Early life and education

Kreski graduated in 1980 from Butler High School and was inducted into the school's hall of fame in 2018[1]

Writing

In 1989, during his tenure as the head writer for Remote Control, Kreski met actor Barry Williams, who was one of three celebrity contestants during a "Brady Day" episode. When Williams said that he'd thought about writing a biography, Kreski struck up a partnership. The resulting book, Growing Up Brady: I Was A Teenage Greg sold more than 300,000 copies and established Kreski as an "as told to" celebrity writer. Kreski went on to co-write three best-selling autobiographies with William Shatner, and one with baseball pitcher David Wells.

MTV

Kreski was associated with MTV Networks for over 15 years, and was a writer and consultant for many of its high-profile series and specials, such as Remote Control, Beavis and Butt-Head, Celebrity Deathmatch, and the channel's annual movie and video music awards shows. He was responsible for many of the channel's distinctive in-house promotional spots during the early 1990s. Kreski was also a head writer of The Daily Show, and for the World Wrestling Federation's television programs.

In 1991, he appeared in an MTV promotional spot as "Senator Kreski." The spot, a parody of political attack ads, showed still photographs of Kreski, alternately beaming and grimacing, as the announcer accused Senator Kreski of various shortcomings:

  • "Senator Kreski promised he would lower your taxes. Senator Kreski lied. Senator Kreski promised he would fix your schools. Senator Kreski lied. Senator Kreski promised to replace the national anthem with Bell Biv Devoe's "Do Me!" Senator Kreski lied."

The ad ended with a panicked, shifty-eyed Kreski fleeing from the photographer, into a Times Square porno shop.

Bibliography
  • Williams, Barry and Kreski, Chris (1992) Growing Up Brady
  • Shatner, William and Kreski, Chris (1993) Star Trek Memories
  • Shatner, William and Kreski, Chris (1994) Star Trek Movie Memories
  • Kreski, Chris (1998) Life Lessons from Xena, Warrior Princess
  • Shatner, William and Kreski, Chris (1999) Get A Life!
  • Wells, David and Kreski, Chris (2004) Perfect I'm Not

Professional wrestling

Following the departure of his predecessor, Vince Russo, in October 1999, Kreski became the head writer of the World Wrestling Federation.[2] He is widely credited with balancing in ring work and writing captivating and layered storylines, and was at the helm of WWF creative in some of its all-time peak years of both ratings and profitability. Kreski's work was admired for well planned and detailed storylines, which was also the transitional period which saw feuds and storylines such as the Triple H vs Cactus Jack feud, the Triple H, Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon love triangle, and a highly successful feud between The Hardy Boyz, Edge and Christian, and The Dudley Boyz.[3] Kreski's extensive use of storyboards was mocked by many in the WWF during his tenure, but they enabled him to achieve a high degree of continuity in his storylines, which began to devolve into semi-coherence following his departure.[4]

Kreski was replaced as head writer by Stephanie McMahon in November 2000, but remained with the company until 2002, when he left to pursue other opportunities.[5]

Death

Kreski died of cancer in 2005.

References
  1. "Two township residents honored by Butler High School", West Milford Messenger, October 15, 2018. Accessed January 9, 2020. "Two township residents were among six Butler High School graduates inducted into the school's Hall of Honor on Sept. 27 at the Barnyard and Carriage House in Totowa, the school announced.... A sixth honoree, Christopher Kreski, class of 1980, is deceased, according to the school."
  2. Keller, Wade (May 10, 2005). "Former WWE TV writer Chris Kreski dies of cancer, age 42". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  3. Keller, Wade (May 10, 2005). "Former WWE TV writer Chris Kreski dies of cancer, age 42". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  4. Keller, Wade (May 10, 2005). "Former WWE TV writer Chris Kreski dies of cancer, age 42". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  5. Keller, Wade (May 10, 2005). "Former WWE TV writer Chris Kreski dies of cancer, age 42". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
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