Hal Ashby

Date of Birth: September 2, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: December 27, 1988

Biography

Hal Ashby was an acclaimed American film director and editor, best known for his work during the 1970s. Born Harold Lloyd Ashby, he gained significant recognition for his unique style and commitment to socially relevant themes. Ashby began his career in Hollywood as an editor, earning an Academy Award for his work on “In the Heat of the Night” (1967). He transitioned to directing with his debut film “The Landlord” (1970), and subsequently directed a series of highly influential films, including “Harold and Maude” (1971), “The Last Detail” (1973), “Shampoo” (1975), “Bound for Glory” (1976), “Coming Home” (1978), and “Being There” (1979). Ashby’s work is often characterized by its humanistic approach and its exploration of countercultural themes.

5 Interesting Facts about Hal Ashby

1. Hal Ashby won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing for “In the Heat of the Night” in 1967.

2. He was known for his collaborative and laid-back directing style, which allowed actors significant creative freedom.

3. Ashby was a key figure in the New Hollywood movement, which revolutionized American cinema in the 1960s and 1970s.

4. Despite his critical success, Ashby struggled with issues related to drug use, which affected his later career.

5. His film “Being There” earned Peter Sellers an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and is considered a classic satire on media and politics.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hal Ashby

1. “I think being a director is just getting up every morning and trying to be a decent human being and seeing if you can help somebody else do the same.”

2. “Editing is where you really make your movie; directing is just shooting a lot of sh*t.”

3. “I am convinced that the arts are the only way we can ever come to understand one another.”

4. “You don’t make movies to make money. You make movies because you love movies.”

5. “If you want to be a director, you have to learn how to listen.”