It’s a sad day in Hollywood as Director/Producer/Actor Sydney Pollack has lost his battle with cancer. He was 73. First diagnosed nine months ago, Pollack died Monday night surrounded by friends and family.

Having lost my own dad to cancer in 2005, I am very sympathetic to the plight of his family and friends. My heart goes out to them all as these loses are never easy, no matter how “prepared” you might think you are for it. God bless you all and may he guide and comfort you in the days ahead.

Sydney Pollack first caught my attention after watching “Three Days Of the Condor” starring Robert Redford, Cliff Robertson and Faye Dunaway. Originally released in 1975, I first watched with baited breath in 1980 as a wide-eyed 10 year old. While I admit that first viewing left me with many a question, I have since re-watched this fine film many times and have come to truly appreciate the level of story telling this film possesses. Two years later, Sydney blew us all out of the water with a little film called Tootsie.

With a film career spanning more than 4 decades, the list of movies either produced, directed or in which he appeared as an actor is staggering. More than 70 movies either produced, directed or acted in, including classics and hits like;

• They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969)
• Jeremiah Johnson (1972)
• The Way We Were (1973)
• The Yakuza (1975)
• Honeysuckle Rose (1980)
• Absence of Malice (1981)
• Tootsie (1982)
• Out of Africa (1985)
• Bright Lights, Big City (1988)
• The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989)
• Major League (1989)
• White Palace (1990)
• Presumed Innocent (1990)
• Havana (1990)
• King Ralph (1991)
• The Player (1992)
• Husbands and Wives (1992)
• Death Becomes Her (1992)
• The Firm (1993)
• Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)
• Sense and Sensibility (1995)
• Sabrina (1995)
• A Civil Action (1998)
• Sliding Doors (1998)
• The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
• Random Hearts (1999)
• Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
• The Majestic (2001)
• Birthday Girl (2002)
• Changing Lanes (2002)
• Cold Mountain (2003)
• The Interpreter (2005)
• Michael Clayton (2007)
• Leatherheads (2008)
• Made of Honor (2008)

Thank you Mr. Pollack for all the memorable movie moments. I have spent most of my life enjoying your works and you will be truly missed by those of us who appreciate the finer film works.

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