Wednesday, April 29, 2020

April 29 - Irvin Kershner


Happy Birthday, Irvin Kershner! Born today in 1923 as Isadore Kershner, this American actor, producer and director of film and television had gained notice early in his career. 

This was for filmmaker in directing quirky, independent drama films, while also working as an influential lecturer at the University of Southern California. 
  
Later in his career, Kershner transitioned to high-budget blockbusters. This included the James Bond adaptation, being the 1983 British/American/West German action/spy film 'Never Say Never Again' (the fourteenth installment of the series) and the 1990 American science fiction/action film 'RoboCop 2'. 
  
However, Kershner is best known for directing the 1980 American epic space opera sci-fi/adventure film 'The Empire Strikes Back' (also known as 'Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back').  
  
The film had also been co-written by American director, screenwriter, and producer Lawrence Kasdan ('Body Heat', 'The Big Chill', 'The Accidental Tourist'). 
  
On a budget of $33 million, 'The Empire Strikes Back' eventually grossed $547.9 million at the box office. 
  
The following year, Kershner won the award for Best Director at the 8th Saturn Awards. The event occurred in July 1981. 
  
Through the course of his career, Kershner had received numerous accolades. This included being nominated for both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Palme d'Or, the latter being for his 1961 American black and white drama film 'The Hoodlum Priest'. 
  
Kershner was known in the trade as a hired gun. In 2010, he won the Life Career Award at the 38th Academy of Science FictionFantasy and Horror Films, USA. 
  
Kershner is survived by his two sons, Dana and David. 
  
Kershner had been active from 1952–2009. 
  
#borntodirect 
@StarWars 
@theguardian 
@Britannica 

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