Terry Rossio

Terry Rossio (born July 2, 1960, in Kalamazoo, Michigan) is an American screenwriter and film producer whose credits span modern animation, swashbuckling adventure, and mainstream fantasy. Best known for writing, he has helped shape some of the most widely watched studio films of the last few decades.

Rossio co-wrote major hits including Aladdin, The Mask of Zorro, and Shrek, blending character-driven humor with crowd-pleasing spectacle. His work on Shrek brought top industry recognition, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay and winning both the BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay and an Annie Award for feature writing.

He is also closely associated with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, co-writing all five films and helping define its mix of myth, comedy, and high-seas action. Throughout his career, Rossio has frequently partnered with fellow screenwriter Ted Elliott, forming one of Hollywood’s notable long-running writing collaborations.

In addition to his behind-the-camera achievements, Rossio has appeared as himself in documentary-style projects such as According to Plan: The Harrowing and True Story of Dead Man's Chest and Johnny Depp: King of Cult.