Michael Ritchie (filmmaker) facts for kids

Michael Brunswick Ritchie (born November 28, 1938 – died April 16, 2001) was an American film director. He was known for making movies that were often funny or made fun of things, like The Candidate and Smile. He also had big hits with sports movies such as Downhill Racer and The Bad News Bears. Later, he directed popular comedies like Fletch starring Chevy Chase and The Golden Child with Eddie Murphy.

Early Life and Family

Michael Ritchie was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin. His parents were Patricia and Benbow Ferguson Ritchie. Later, his family moved to Berkeley, California. His father taught experimental psychology at the University of California at Berkeley. His mother worked as an art and music librarian for the city.

Michael went to Berkeley High School. He then became very interested in making films. He was accepted into Harvard University after high school. He once shared that his interest in film culture helped guide his career. In 1994, Ritchie moved to Manhattan with his wife, Jimmie B. Ritchie. They had two daughters, Lillian and Miriam. He also had other children named Stephen, Lauren, and Jessica. His sister, Elsie Ritchie, acted in two of his movies: The Candidate and Smile.

Ritchie's Directing Career

While studying at Harvard, Michael Ritchie directed a play called Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feelin' So Sad. This led him to a job with Robert Saudek, a television executive. Ritchie worked on several TV shows before directing his first movie in 1969. This first film was called Downhill Racer.

In 1970, Ritchie worked on a political campaign for John V. Tunney. Tunney was a politician running for the Senate. This experience helped inspire Robert Redford's character in Ritchie's movie, The Candidate. This film even won an Oscar.

Ritchie directed many different kinds of movies. In the 1970s, he was known for his sports films and funny movies that made fun of society. Examples include The Candidate and The Bad News Bears. In the 1980s, he became more famous for his broader comedies. These included Fletch and The Golden Child.

Michael Ritchie also wrote a nonfiction book. It was called Please Stand By: A Prehistory of Television. The book was about the early days of the television industry.

Film and TV Work

Movies Directed by Michael Ritchie

TV Movies Directed

TV Series Directed

Later Life and Legacy

Michael Ritchie passed away on April 16, 2001. He died from health problems related to prostate cancer. Many people remember his films for being honest and well-made. He was known for his ability to make movies that were both entertaining and thoughtful.