Mark Rydell, Oscar-Nominated Director of 'On Golden Pond,' Dies at 97
Mark Rydell, a renowned filmmaker celebrated for his work on "On Golden Pond," has died at 97 in a retirement community in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, on Thursday. His daughter, Amy, revealed that he passed away from natural causes. The film, featuring stars like Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda, garnered ten Academy Award nominations and secured three wins, making over $119 million and ranking as the second-highest-grossing film of 1981. Rydell, originally named Mortimer Harold Rydell, was born on March 23, 1929, in New York City. He studied at Juilliard and NYU, served in the Army, and began his film career in 1956. He also directed titles such as "The Reivers," "The Cowboys," and "The Rose." He leaves behind his daughter Amy, sons Christopher and Alexander, and other children from his first marriage.
Key facts
- Mark Rydell died Thursday of natural causes in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, at age 97.
- His daughter Amy Rydell confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter.
- Rydell directed 'On Golden Pond' (1981), which earned 10 Oscar nominations.
- Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn won Oscars for their roles in the film.
- Rydell lost the directing Oscar to Warren Beatty for 'Reds.'
- 'On Golden Pond' grossed over $119 million, ranking second in 1981.
- Rydell was born Mortimer Harold Rydell on March 23, 1929, in New York City.
- Rydell and Sydney Pollack co-founded Sanford Productions, which produced the Palme d'Or-winning 'Scarecrow.'
Entities
Artists
- Mark Rydell
- Steven Spielberg
- Amy Rydell
- Henry Fonda
- Katharine Hepburn
- Jane Fonda
- Ernest Thompson
- Warren Beatty
- Steve McQueen
- John Wayne
- James Caan
- Marsha Mason
- Bette Midler
- Mel Gibson
- Sissy Spacek
- Teddy Wilson
- Rod Steiger
- John Cassavetes
- Sal Mineo
- Don Siegel
- Robert Altman
- Woody Allen
- Sandy Dennis
- Sydney Pollack
- Robert Redford
- Al Pacino
- Gene Hackman
- Janis Joplin
- Isabella Rossellini
- Stephen Rea
- James Franco
- Jack Warner
- Martin Landau
- Lyle Kessler
- Joanne Linville
- Esther Rydell
- Christopher Rydell
- Alexander Rydell
- Lennox McLendon
- Nick Ut
Institutions
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
- The Hollywood Reporter
- CBS
- Juilliard School
- New York University
- Neighborhood Playhouse
- Sanford Productions
- Cannes Film Festival
- Warner Bros.
- ABC
- UCLA
- The Actors Studio West
- The Daily Bruin
Locations
- Los Angeles
- USA
- Woodland Hills
- Beverly Hills
- Marina del Rey
- New York City
- Japan
- New England
- Cannes
- France
- California
- Broadway