Andy Tennant is an American film director born on June 15, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1973, he attended the University of Southern California to study theater. His first venture into show business was a minor acting role in the movie, Midnight Madness. He would go on to star in Grease and Grease 2 as a backup dancer. However, Tennant’s directing debut was a TV movie entitled Keep the Change which aired in 1992.
In 1998, Tennant released a film, Ever After, starring Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott. It tells the story of a girl named Danielle de Barbarac living in 16th century Europe. Her life is essentially a fresh retelling of the classic tale of Cinderella, once a loving father's princess, now forced to be a slave to her stepmother after her father dies. Danielle’s stepmother, Rodmilla, forces her to do all the chores and labor while waiting hand and foot to her lazy stepsisters. Yet, her life takes a turn for the better when she meets the handsome and noble Prince Henry.
Upon its release, Ever After received moderately positive reviews from critics and audiences alike for its refreshing retelling of a classic story. Film critic Roger Ebert praises the movie for its “human comedy and romantic energy, along with lush scenery, astounding locations and luxuriant costumes.” The movie was also nominated for several awards from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, of which it won Best Actress and Best Costumes.
Since Ever After, Andy Tennant has continued to both direct and produce films. His most notable works include Sweet Home Alabama, Anna and the King, Hitch, The Wedding Album, The American Embassy, The Bounty Hunter, Fool's Gold and The Moving Target.
