- Born
- Died
- Birth nameMortimer Harold Rydell
- Mark Rydell was born on March 23, 1929 in New York City, New York, USA. He was a director and actor, known for The Long Goodbye (1973), On Golden Pond (1981) and Hollywood Ending (2002). He was married to Esther Jacobs and Joanne Linville. He died on August 13, 2026 in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA.
- SpousesEsther Jacobs(April 15, 1984 - 2007) (divorced, 1 child)Joanne Linville(November 25, 1962 - July 1973) (divorced, 2 children)
- Children
- ParentsSidney Rydell
- RelativesMaggie Wagner(Niece or Nephew)Andrew Wagner(Niece or Nephew)Judy Wagner(Sibling)Emily Wagner(Niece or Nephew)Austen Rydell(Grandchild)
- Has directed 8 actors to Oscar nominations: Rupert Crosse, Sissy Spacek, Bette Midler, Frederic Forrest, Marsha Mason, Jane Fonda, Henry Fonda, & Katharine Hepburn. Fonda (Henry) and Hepburn won for their performances in On Golden Pond (1981).
- Studied at Julliard School of Music and played New York nightclubs as a jazz pianist.
- He was thirty-eight years old when he directed his first feature film.
- Director of the Actor's Studio West.
- Producer Michael Douglas considered him as director of Starman (1984) but the job went to John Carpenter.
- I'm a hopeful person; I'm not a cynic. I believe that cynicism is a cancer for an artist. It's a way of insulating yourself from experience. If you're cynical about something, it becomes removed and can't invade you. If you believe that life has to do with an engagement of issues and personalities that make you young and vital, it's hard to be anything but hopeful.
- [After making "On Golden Pond"] There's no question in my mind that Henry Fonda is the greatest living actor. I have great admiration for a number of great actors, but there's something very special about Henry Fonda. He is an actor's actor, and I worship his skills.
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