Rocky hit maker dies
OSCAR-winning director John G Avildsen, whose hits include Rocky and The Karate Kid, has died at 81.
The filmmaker had suffered pancreatic cancer and passed away at CedarsSinai Medical Center, LA.
Rocky, which starred Sylvester Stallone, was the highest grossing film of 1976 and won Best Picture and Best Director Oscars.
Stallone, who wrote the film, posted: “R. I. P. I’m sure you will soon be directing Hits in Heaven.”
In addition to 1984’s The Karate Kid, Avildsen directed Jack Lemmon in 1973’s Save the Tiger – his only Oscar-winning role.
Paris Barclay, president of the Directors Guild of America, said: “His rousing portrayals of victory, courage and emotion captured the hearts of generations.”