Empire Strikes Back Director Irvin Kershner, Dead at 87
Director Irvin Kershner, best known for directing everyone's favorite Star Wars film The Empire Strikes Back has passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 87 after a long bout with illness. The AFP cites his goddaughter, but does not really report on a specific cause of death.
Born in Philadelphia in 1923, the filmmaker trained in music and photography before making documentaries and features starting in the late '50s. His breakout came exactly thirty years ago when George Lucas hired him to helm Empire Strikes Back. That was followed by the unauthorized James Bond flick Never Say Never Again, starring Sean Connery. The last feature film he directed was RoboCop 2. His final directorial credits were episodes of the TV series Seaquest DSV.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.