like this. I didn't give up everything to be happy. In fact, I'm not even sure what happiness is. Happiness comes from the word "happenstance" which relates to things going on outside of you. What was happening to me was definitely on the inside. But after I gave up everything I felt a lot more joy in my life. A lot more contentment. There's nothing wrong, though, with making a lot of money ... this is not a judgment on anyone at all. I was just taking in a lot more than I needed and this wasn't good for me. His father, Richard C. Shadyac Sr., a Washington, D.C. attorney, was a longtime friend of comedian, actor and TV producer Danny Thomas. Thomas's charity and lifelong efforts were aimed at the founding and development of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Richard C. Shadyac Sr. served as the CEO of St. Jude's fundraising arm, American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), from 1992 to 2005, and died in September 2009 in McLean, Virginia. His brother, Richard C. Shadyac Jr., worked as an attorney in the Washington area for 27 years and had joined the board of ALSAC in 2000. In September 2009 Richard C. Shadyac Jr. was appointed president and chief executive officer of ALSAC in Memphis. After filming I Am, Shadyac moved to Memphis, where he continued philanthropic work but tried to continue with moviemaking projects. He lamented during production of Brian Banks: "I've been trying to get a gig for about 10 years. I can't tell you how many jobs I applied for where they just didn't hire me. I had left the private club, and the private club didn't want me back in." Shadyac is an outspoken Christian, and stated in a 2013 interview that he equates the concept of "God" with "mystery source." Filmography Acting roles Accolades References External links I AM The Documentary official website 1958 births American documentary filmmakers American film producers American people of Lebanese descent American people of Irish descent American male screenwriters Comedy film directors Horror film directors Fantasy film directors Living people People from Falls Church, Virginia University of Virginia alumni University of California, Los Angeles alumni UCLA Film School alumni Film directors from Virginia American male writers Screenwriters from Virginia American Christians