US director Mark Rydell dies at 97

Acclaimed US director Mark Rydell, who guided Hollywood legends like Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, Bette Midler, Richard Gere, and Sharon Stone, has passed away at 97. His niece, actress Maggie Wagner, confirmed his death, as reported by the "Actors Studio West" in Los Angeles, which Rydell co-founded.

Rydell's most celebrated work includes the 1981 family drama "On Golden Pond." This film, starring the ailing Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn, earned them Oscars and marked the only time Henry Fonda and his daughter Jane Fonda appeared on screen together. Rydell himself received an Oscar nomination for best director for the film.

He directed Bette Midler in two significant roles: her breakthrough performance as Janis Joplin in "The Rose" (1979), which garnered her an Oscar nomination, and her role in the 1991 drama "For the Boys." Midler paid tribute to Rydell on Instagram, expressing gratitude for his mentorship and the lessons he taught her.

Rydell's directorial career also included "The River" (1984), featuring Sissy Spacek and Mel Gibson, with Spacek earning an Oscar nomination for her role. He directed Sharon Stone and Richard Gere in "Intersection" (1994) and guided James Franco to his Hollywood breakthrough as James Dean in the 2001 television film "James Dean."

Born in New York, Rydell initially studied music before honing his craft as an actor at the "Actors Studio" in New York and under the tutelage of Sanford Meisner. He appeared in film and television before transitioning to directing in the 1960s, establishing a notable career in Hollywood.

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She was so lucky to have met him back then, because he taught her so much.