Canadian director Ted Kotcheff, known for First Blood and Weekend at Bernie’s, dead at 94
Canadian Ted Kotcheff, a legendary film and television director whose career spanned six decades, passed away at the age of 94, as confirmed by his daughter to The Canadian Press. Kotcheff’s impressive body of work included directing the first installments of two iconic movie franchises in the 1980s.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kotcheff worked with renowned stars such as Jane Fonda, Burt Reynolds, Gregory Peck, and Kathleen Turner. He transitioned to Hollywood after directing productions in Britain, Australia, and Israel. In Canada, he gained recognition for directing adaptations of novels by his former roommate Mordecai Richler — “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” and “Joshua Then and Now,” both of which received domestic film awards.
However, Kotcheff is perhaps best known for his work in the 1980s. He directed the 1982 film “First Blood,” the first of the popular series featuring the character John Rambo, a troubled Vietnam veteran. Seven years later, he directed the unexpected hit “Weekend at Bernie’s,” a comedy about two employees who pretend their deceased boss is still alive. Despite the success of these films, Kotcheff chose not to participate in sequels, as he preferred to explore new ideas and avoid repeating himself.
In his later years, Kotcheff served as an executive producer for nearly 300 episodes of the long-running TV series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” directing seven episodes of the show. His contributions to the entertainment industry were widely recognized, with actress Mariska Hargitay praising his ability to bring out the truth in performances.
Born William Theodore Kotcheff in Toronto in 1931, to a Macedonian mother and Bulgarian father, Kotcheff’s early life was marked by hardship. He found solace in the world of cinema, which inspired him to pursue a career in storytelling. Beginning his career at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in the 1950s, Kotcheff honed his craft in various roles before venturing to Europe, where he met Mordecai Richler and began a fruitful creative partnership.
Kotcheff’s work in prestigious British television dramas earned him accolades, including a BAFTA award. His marriage to British actress Sylvia Kay and the success of films like “Duddy Kravitz” further solidified his reputation as a talented director. As his career flourished, Kotcheff’s impact on Hollywood continued to grow, paving the way for his enduring legacy in the world of film and television.
