Who Is Irvin Kershner? Age, Biography and Wiki
Irvin Kershner, born on April 29, 1923, was a distinguished American film director known for his work on iconic films including The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Robocop 2 (1990). Kershner passed away on November 27, 2010, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that significantly impacted the film industry. With a background in fine arts and a passion for storytelling, Kershner's unique vision and direction earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 29, 1923 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 November, 2010 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Irvin Kershner's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements of Irvin Kershner's height and weight have been less documented primarily due to less media focus on physical attributes in the context of film directors, it is widely recognized that he maintained a moderate build typical for men of his age during his lifetime. Public interest in body stats often varies significantly among filmmakers compared to actors, but Kershner's contributions are what truly stand out.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Irvin Kershner was married to the filmmaker and producer, Joni Kershner, for many years. The couple kept their personal life relatively private, though it is known that they shared a deep passion for cinema, which undoubtedly contributed to their bond. Throughout his life, Kershner valued relationships and collaborations with various creative talents, both in front of the camera and behind it.
After Empire Strikes Back, Kershner directed Never Say Never Again (Sean Connery's return to the role of James Bond), the HBO film Traveling Man (starring John Lithgow and Jonathan Silverman, this film earned Kershner an ACE Award nomination), and RoboCop 2.
He also directed the pilot of the television series seaQuest DSV, and he made his debut as an actor in the Martin Scorsese film The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), in which he played Zebedee, the father of the apostles James and John. He played a film director in Steven Seagal's On Deadly Ground.
He was a faculty member at the Master of Professional Writing Program at the University of Southern California. In 2000, he was a member of the jury at the 22nd Moscow International Film Festival.
Net Worth and Salary
By the time of his passing in 2010, Irvin Kershner's net worth was estimated to be around $15 million, a testament to his successful career spanning over five decades in the film industry. His most notable work, The Empire Strikes Back, has grossed over $800 million worldwide, significantly contributing to his financial success. Kershner diversified his income through various film projects, collaborations, and teaching engagements.
Career, Business and Investments
Kershner's career trajectory began with directing television shows in the early 1960s, eventually leading him into feature films. His directorial prowess was most famously showcased on Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, where he delivered a darker and more complex narrative than its predecessor. Kershner also worked on films such as The Return of a Man Named Joe and The Last Crusade. In addition to filmmaking, he also dedicated time to sharing his knowledge as a mentor for burgeoning directors, influencing the next generation of filmmakers.
Early in his career as a filmmaker he directed quirky, independent drama films, while working as a lecturer at the University of Southern California. Later, he began making high-budget blockbusters such as The Empire Strikes Back, the James Bond adaptation Never Say Never Again and RoboCop 2.
Through the course of his career, he received numerous accolades, including being nominated for both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Palme d'Or.
Social Network
Irvin Kershner was relatively low-profile on social media platforms, reflecting the era in which he became famous. However, his influence and legacy continue to be celebrated by fans and filmmakers alike through various online communities, forums, and film-related groups. His contributions to cinema are frequently discussed on platforms like Twitter and Reddit, where film enthusiasts analyze his work and its impact on the industry.
Kershner, who was an appealing directorial candidate to Lucas because of his concern for character development, was at first reluctant to direct the film. When asked by Lucas to work on the project over lunch, Kershner refused. Kershner's agent was told about the meeting and encouraged him to take the job.
Kershner later discussed his motivations: "I was grabbed by the fairytale which Lucas invented and wanted to be part of keeping it alive." Of his cinematic style, Kershner has said: "I like to fill up the frame with the characters' faces. There's nothing more interesting than the landscape of the human face".
Education
Kershner attended the University of Southern California where he studied fine arts. He later pursued his passion for film and photography at the University of New York and the Art Center College of Design. His educational background equipped him with a unique blend of artistic vision and technical prowess, enabling him to create some of the most memorable films in cinematic history.
His artistic and cultural background was a mixture of music and art. The study of music (violin, viola and composition) was the most important activity of his early years. He attended Temple University's Tyler School of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. Later, he went to New York and Provincetown to study with the famous painting teacher Hans Hofmann.
He then moved to Los Angeles where he studied photography at the Art Center College of Design.
