'On Golden Pond' and 'The Rose' Director
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Mark Rydell, acclaimed director known for "On Golden Pond," "The Rose," and "For the Boys," died at age 97; he received a best director Oscar nomination for "On Golden Pond."
- Rydell began as an actor before transitioning to directing, where he was praised for eliciting strong performances, guiding actors like Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, Jane Fonda, and Bette Midler to Oscar nominations and wins.
- His directing career included notable films such as "The Fox," "The Reivers," "The Cowboys," "Cinderella Liberty," and "The River," as well as television work including the Emmy-nominated "James Dean" telepic.
- Rydell was also an actor in film, television, and stage, with memorable roles including a gangster in Robert Altman's "The Long Goodbye," and continued acting into the 2000s.
- He is survived by three children, two of whom are actors, and one an editor; his career spanned decades with significant contributions to film and television as both director and actor.
