1 / 10
In 2008, after a somber turn of events, the film world bid farewell to one of its most distinguished members, Sydney Pollack (73), the visionary behind the Oscar-winning epic 'Out of Africa.'
2 / 10
After a courageous 10-month battle with an undiagnosed form of cancer, Pollack succumbed to the illness at his Pacific Palisades home, marking the end of an era that spanned nearly five decades of cinematic brilliance.
3 / 10
Pollack, renowned for his actor-centric directing style, collaborated with Hollywood's elite, crafting masterpieces such as 'The Way We Were' with Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, 'The Firm' starring Tom Cruise, and the unforgettable 'Tootsie' featuring Dustin Hoffman.
4 / 10
His partnership with Redford was particularly noteworthy, resulting in seven films, including their crowning achievement, 'Out of Africa', alongside Meryl Streep.
5 / 10
Despite his recent battle with cancer, Pollack's creative flame never dimmed. In 2008, he earned a best picture Oscar nomination for producing the George Clooney legal thriller 'Michael Clayton', in which he also played a supporting role.
6 / 10
His presence will continue to grace the screen in the romantic comedy Made of Honor, showcasing his enduring demand as an actor.
7 / 10
Pollack's impact on cinema was profound, with film scholar Jeanine Basinger praising his sharp political sensibility and adaptability to the evolving film landscape. His final directorial ventures, 'The Interpreter' and the documentary 'Sketches of Frank Gehry,' further showcased his versatility and commitment to storytelling.
8 / 10
Beyond his professional achievements, Pollack was remembered by Streisand as "a great actor's director" and a cherished confidant. His most celebrated work, 'Out of Africa', not only secured him two Oscars but also solidified his place in Hollywood history.
9 / 10
Though his career faced occasional setbacks, Pollack's resilience and talent ensured his legacy would be defined by triumphs. From his early days as a student of Sanford Meisner to his directorial debut with 'The Slender Thread,' Pollack's journey was one of relentless pursuit of cinematic excellence.
10 / 10
Survived by his wife Claire, two daughters, Rebecca and Rachel, and six grandchildren, Sydney Pollack's legacy will live on through his groundbreaking films and the countless lives he touched.
Hollywood film-maker Sydney Pollack, who won two Oscars for the epic romance 'Out of Africa,' and whose career encompassed films from 'Tootsie' to 'Michael Clayton,' died after a 10-month battle with cancer. He was 73.
During a varied career spanning almost half a century, Pollack earned a reputation as an actor's director and worked with many of the most iconic names in Hollywood. Let's take a look at his life and times now...