Source:The New York Times, Edward Douglas

May 27, 2008

The New York Times reports that acclaimed film director, producer and actor Sydney Pollack has passed away at the age of 73 from cancer.

The multiple Oscar winner was responsible for some of the great films of the '70s and '80s including the classic political thriller Three Days of the Condor and Absence of Malice, after which he produced and directed the Oscar Best Picture winner Out of Africa and the Oscar-nominated Tootsie. During the '90s, Pollack's films as a director were scarcer with one stand-out being the adaptation of John Grisham's The Firm, starring Tom Cruise. The last two films he directed were the thriller The Interpreter, starring Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman, and the documentary Sketches of Frank Gehry.

Pollack was even more prolific as a producer, his most recent efforts being the HBO TV movie "Recount" which debuted last night and George Clooney's Leatherheads, and he also co-produced Tony Gilroy's drama Michael Clayton, also starring Clooney, which was nominated for multiple Oscars.

As an actor, Pollack appeared in many movies including one still playing in theaters, the comedy Made of Honor.

Pollack is survived by his daughters Rachel and Rebecca and wife of 50 years, Claire Griswold.

The New York Times has a full biography and obituary that you can read here.