Mark Rydell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mark Rydell
Rydell in 1979
Born	Mortimer H. Rydell (1929-03-23)March 23, 1929 New York City, U.S.
Died	August 13, 2026(2026-08-13) (aged 97) Woodland Hills, California, U.S.
Education	Juilliard School of Music Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre Actors Studio
Occupation	Film director producer actor
Years active	1952–2020
Spouse(s)	Joanne Linville ​ ​ (m. 1962; div. 1973)​ Esther Rydell ​ ​ (m. 1984; div. 2007)​
Children	3, including Christopher

Mark Rydell, born Mortimer H. Rydell on March 23, 1929, was a talented American film director, producer, and actor. He passed away on August 13, 2026. Mark Rydell was known for directing many movies that received Oscar nominations. Some of his famous films include The Fox (1967), The Reivers (1969), Cinderella Liberty (1973), The Rose (1979), and The River (1984). He even received an Oscar nomination for Best Director for his work on On Golden Pond (1981).

Mark Rydell's Early Life and Education

Mortimer H. Rydell was born in New York City on March 23, 1929. When he was young, Mark Rydell first studied music and dreamed of becoming a conductor. Later, he decided to switch his focus to acting. He attended the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. He also trained to become an actor at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and the Actors Studio. These schools helped him develop his skills for a career in film and television.

Mark Rydell's Career in Entertainment

Acting Roles and Early Career

Mark Rydell started his career as an actor. He had important roles in popular TV shows like Walt Johnson on The Edge of Night and Jeff Baker on As the World Turns. He played Jeff Baker from 1956 to 1962, and this character was very popular with viewers. In 1962, his character on As the World Turns was written off the show. Later, he received praise for his role as a tough character named Marty Augustine in Robert Altman's film The Long Goodbye (1973). His last notable film role was in Woody Allen's movie Hollywood Ending (2002).

Directing Television Shows

Rydell at the premiere of The Rose in 1979

Mark Rydell became a very successful television director. He directed episodes for many well-known TV series. These included shows like Mr. Novak, Ben Casey, I Spy, The Wild Wild West, and Gunsmoke. He believed in spending a lot of time preparing with actors. This helped them understand their roles and feel comfortable on set.

Directing Feature Films

Mark Rydell's first movie as a director was The Fox (1967). This film was a big hit at the box-office. He then directed famous actor Steve McQueen in the movie The Reivers (1969). Mark Rydell and his friend Sydney Pollack, who were both actors, started a film company together.

Rydell in November 2008

Rydell directed another legendary actor, John Wayne, in The Cowboys (1972). He also directed the romantic comedy Cinderella Liberty (1973), starring James Caan and Marsha Mason. He once said he wanted to create his "own genre" of movies, meaning he wanted to make unique films. He worked with James Caan again on Harry and Walter Go to New York (1976).

One of Rydell's biggest successes was The Rose (1979), which starred Bette Midler. This movie was a huge hit. He also directed On Golden Pond (1981), featuring Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn. For On Golden Pond, Mark Rydell received an Oscar nomination for Best Director.

He later directed The River (1984), with Mel Gibson and Sissy Spacek. Another film he directed was For the Boys (1991), which again starred Bette Midler and James Caan.

Mark Rydell also directed several television movies. These included Crime of the Century (1996) and James Dean (2001). The movie James Dean helped actor James Franco win a Golden Globe award. Rydell even acted in James Dean, playing Jack L. Warner, who was the head of Warner Bros studio.

In 2006, Rydell directed the movie Even Money. He also worked on an episode of the TV series Masters of Science Fiction. Later in his career, he helped create an educational seminar called The Total Picture Seminar. This event taught people about acting, directing, and writing for films. He also served on the Advisory Board of Openfilm, a website for independent filmmakers.

Mark Rydell's Family Life

Mark Rydell married actress Joanne Linville in 1962. They had two children together, Amy and Christopher, who both became actors. Mark and Joanne later divorced in 1973. Mark Rydell then married Esther Rydell, a documentary producer. They had a son named Alexander. This marriage ended in 2007. Mark Rydell passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, at the age of 97.

Filmography

As director

Film

• The Fox (1967)
• The Reivers (1969)
• The Cowboys (1972)
• Cinderella Liberty (1973)
• Harry and Walter Go to New York (1976)
• The Rose (1979)
• On Golden Pond (1981)
• The River (1984)
• For the Boys (1991)
• Intersection (1994)
• Even Money (2006)

Television

• The Phil Silvers Show (episode of TV series) (1955)
• Mr. Novak (episode of TV series) (1964)
• Ben Casey (episodes of TV series) (1963–64)
• The Reporter (episode on TV series) (1964)
• Slattery's People (episode of TV series) (1965)
• I Spy (episodes of TV series) (1965)
• The Wild Wild West (episode of TV series) (1966)
• The Long, Hot Summer (episodes of TV series) (1965–66)
• The Fugitive (episode of TV series) (1966)
• Gunsmoke (episodes of TV series) (1964–66)
• Family (episode of TV series) (1976)
• McBride and Groom (failed pilot) (1993)
• Crime of the Century (TV movie) (1996)
• James Dean (TV movie) (2001) (plus actor, playing Jack L. Warner)
• Masters of Science Fiction (episode "A Clean Escape" of TV series) (2007)

As actor

• Crime in the Streets (1956) as Lou Macklin
• The Long Goodbye (1973) as Marty Augustine
• Punchline (1988) as Romeo
• Havana (1990) as Meyer Lansky
• A Man Is Mostly Water (2000) as Distributor
• Hollywood Ending (2002) as Al
• Senior Entourage (2020) as Mark

Accolades and Awards

Directed Academy Award Performances

Under Rydell's direction, these actors received Oscar nominations and wins for their performances:

See also

In Spanish: Mark Rydell para niños