Mark Rydell, the Oscar-nominated director behind the poignant family drama "On Golden Pond," died Thursday of natural causes at a retirement community in Los Angeles. He was 97.
Rydell's daughter, Amy Rydell, confirmed his death, remembering him as "truly one of a kind. Funniest and most talented person I’ve ever known."
"On Golden Pond," released in 1981, garnered 10 Academy Award nominations, including one for Rydell's directing. The film earned Oscars for its stars Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn, and for Ernest Thompson's screenplay, adapted from his own play. With a box office gross of over $119 million, it was the second-highest-grossing film of 1981, trailing only "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
The film marked the final role for Henry Fonda, who played Norman Thayer Jr., a father whose relationship with his daughter, Chelsea (portrayed by Jane Fonda), improves over a summer at their New England lake house. Katharine Hepburn starred as his wife, Ethel. Jane Fonda has spoken about how working on the film helped mend her relationship with her father.
Rydell's directorial career spanned several decades and included a string of critically acclaimed films. His other Oscar-nominated works include "The Fox" (1967), "The Reivers" (1969) with Steve McQueen, "Cinderella Liberty" (1973) starring James Caan and Marsha Mason, Bette Midler's breakout role in "The Rose" (1979), and "The River" (1984) featuring Mel Gibson and Sissy Spacek.
Born Mortimer Harold Rydell on March 23, 1929, in New York City, he initially studied music before turning to acting after winning a scholarship to the Neighborhood Playhouse. His early career included roles on CBS soap operas and a Broadway debut. He transitioned to directing television in the 1960s, helming episodes for popular series such as "Ben Casey," "I Spy," and "Gunsmoke."
Rydell made his feature film directorial debut with "The Fox" in 1967. He later collaborated with actor Steve McQueen again on "The Reivers." In 1971, he co-founded Sanford Productions with Sydney Pollack. The company produced films like "Jeremiah Johnson" and "Scarecrow," the latter winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
His work with Bette Midler in "The Rose" earned her an Oscar nomination, a performance she later credited Rydell with helping her achieve. They reunited for "For the Boys" in 1991.
Rydell also directed the pilot for the ABC drama "Family" and several TV movies, including "James Dean," for which James Franco received a Golden Globe award. Rydell himself appeared in the film as Jack Warner.
Beyond directing, Rydell was dedicated to mentoring aspiring filmmakers. In 2009, he co-directed a film workshop at UCLA and served as co-artistic director of The Actors Studio West, where he coached actors, writers, and directors. He often emphasized the importance of authenticity in art, stating, "All great art rests on telling the truth."
Rydell is survived by his children Christopher and Amy, and another son, Alexander.