Oscar-winning director SYDNEY POLLACK has died of cancer. He was 73.
Pollack died on Monday (26May08) afternoon at his home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles surrounded by friends and family. His death follows a ten month battle with the deadly disease.
Pollack won critical acclaim and two Academy Awards for his epic romance Out Of Africa starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. The 1985 movie garnered a staggering 11 nominations and won seven including Best Picture and Best Director.
He was also famed for directing 1973 classic The Way We Were and 1982's Tootsie starring Dustin Hoffman.
While best remembered as a director, Pollack started out as an actor and continued to perform throughout his career - most recently appearing alongside George Clooney in last year's (07) Oscar-winning picture Michael Clayton and in this year's (08) Made of Honour with Patrick Dempsey.
Pollack is survived by his wife Claire, daughters Rebecca and Rachel and six grandchildren.