Remembering the acclaimed director and filmmaker Sydney Pollack
Sydney Pollack’s career spanned over five decades, during which he directed, produced, and acted in numerous influential films including “Tootsie”, “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” and “Out of Africa” among several others
Remembering the acclaimed director and filmmaker Sydney Pollack
Sydney Irwin Pollack was born on July 1, 1934, in Lafayette, Indiana. Raised in a Jewish family, Pollack faced the early challenge of his parents’ divorce and the subsequent move to South Bend, Indiana. He attended South Bend Central High School and showed early promise in the arts. After high school, he moved to New York City to study acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre under Sanford Meisner.
Pollack began his career as an actor, appearing in television shows and on Broadway during the 1950s. His talent quickly caught the eye of directors and producers, leading to his transition from acting to directing. His first significant break came as a television director in the early 1960s, working on popular shows like “The Fugitive” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.” Pollack’s skill in directing actors and his keen eye for storytelling soon garnered him attention in Hollywood.
Pollack made his feature film directorial debut with “The Slender Thread” (1965), but it was his later works that cemented his reputation as a top-tier director including “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” (1969), a harrowing depiction of a Depression-era dance marathon, received nine Academy Award nominations, earning Pollack his first major critical success, the Western “Jeremiah Johnson” (1972) starring Robert Redford, which marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between Pollack and Redford, “The Way We Were” (1973), starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, the political thriller “Three Days of the Condor” (1975) featuring Redford and Faye Dunaway, the comedy “Tootsie” (1982) starring Dustin Hoffman as an actor who disguises himself as a woman to land a role, which was a commercial and critical hit, earning ten Academy Award nominations and perhaps his most acclaimed work, this epic romance “Out of Africa” (1985) starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford which won seven Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture.
In addition to directing, Pollack continued to act and produce films. He appeared in notable films such as “Husbands and Wives” (1992) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999). As a producer, he was involved in successful projects like “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999) and “Michael Clayton” (2007). Pollack’s later directorial works include “The Firm” (1993), starring Tom Cruise, and “Sabrina” (1995), a romantic comedy remake.
Sydney Pollack married Claire Griswold in 1958, and the couple had three children: Steven, Rebecca, and Rachel. Tragically, their son Steven died in a plane crash in 1993. Pollack was known for his close friendships with many actors and filmmakers, including Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. He was respected not only for his professional achievements but also for his mentorship and generosity within the film community.
Sydney Pollack passed away on May 26, 2008, in Pacific Palisades, California, at the age of 73. He succumbed to cancer, leaving behind a legacy of cinematic excellence and a profound impact on both the film industry and audiences worldwide.
Sydney Pollack’s career spanned over five decades, during which he directed, produced, and acted in numerous influential films, and his ability to tell compelling human stories, combined with his technical skill and collaborative spirit, ensured him a place in the pantheon of great American directors.
Watch a 2005 interview with Sidney Pollack looking back at his career
Also watch Sidney Pollack accepting the Oscar for Best Director in 1986
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