Saturday, August 15, 2026 -Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mark Rydell has died at 97, leaving behind a major legacy in Hollywood.
Rydell, best known for directing On Golden Pond, died on August 13 at a retirement facility in Woodland Hills, California, from natural causes, according to his daughter Amy Rydell. His acclaimed 1981 film earned 10 Academy Award nominations, while Rydell himself received a Best Director nomination.
Rydell was also remembered for his ability to bring out exceptional performances from actors. He directed Bette Midler in The Rose, her first major film role, and helped guide performances that earned multiple Oscar nominations.
Midler paid tribute to Rydell, remembering him as an “actor’s whisperer” and crediting him with playing a major role in launching her film career.
His death closes the chapter on one of Hollywood’s respected director-actors, whose career stretched across film, television and stage.
Beyond his Oscar-nominated work, Rydell directed films including The River, The Rose and The Fox, while also mentoring performers and teaching at UCLA later in life. His influence is likely to remain visible through the actors he shaped and the celebrated films he helped bring to audiences.
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