May 27, 2008, 10:00 GMT
Oscar-winning film director Sydney Pollack has died of cancer at the age of 73.
A file picture dated 03 August 2002 shows US director, producer and actor Sydney Pollack, answering questions concerning the Leopard of Honour, a lifetime achievement award, he received at the 55th International Film Festival of Locarno in Locarno, Switzerland. Pollack died of cancer 26 May 2008 at his home in Pacific Palisades, Calif., USA, according to his agent. He was 73. EPA/MARTIAL TREZZINI
The American actor, producer and filmmaker - responsible for cinematic landmarks such as 'Out of Africa', 'Tootsie' and 'The Way We Were' - passed away at his Los Angeles home surrounded by his family yesterday (26.05.08).
Pollack was diagnosed with cancer nine months ago and had been bravely battling the illness ever since.
Actor Robert Redford, who worked with Pollack on several films including 'Out of Africa' and 'The Way We Were', said after learning of his late friend's death: "My relationship with Sydney, both professionally and personally, covers 40 years. It's too personal to express."
Pollack originally studied acting in New York before a two-year spell in the army. After returning from service he worked as a stage actor and teacher, before moving to the West Coast of America to direct TV shows.
Pollack married one of his former students, Claire Griswold, with who he had three children. He moved into movie directing in 1962 with 'War Hunt' on which he met Redford.
In 1982, Pollack's comedy 'Tootsie', starring Dustin Hoffman, received 10 Academy Award nominations, while in 1985, 'Out of Africa' won Pollack the Oscar for Best Director.
His last big screen work was this year's 'Made of Honour' in which he played Patrick Dempsey's character's father.
(C) BANG Media International
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