Date of Birth: April 29, 1923
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: November 27, 2010
Biography
Irvin Kershner was an American director best known for his work on the film “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.” Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kershner initially studied music and photography before transitioning to film. He began his career as a documentary filmmaker and later moved into television and feature films. Kershner’s directorial style was marked by his attention to character development and emotional depth, which set his work apart in the science fiction and action genres. Beyond “The Empire Strikes Back,” his notable films include “Never Say Never Again” and “RoboCop 2.” Kershner was also a mentor to many young filmmakers and a professor at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.
5 Interesting Facts about Irvin Kershner
1. Irvin Kershner was initially reluctant to direct “The Empire Strikes Back,” fearing he couldn’t live up to the success of the original “Star Wars.”
2. He studied under the famous photographer Ansel Adams, which influenced his meticulous attention to visual detail in his films.
3. Kershner was one of the few directors to have helmed both a “Star Wars” film and a James Bond film.
4. He served as a flight engineer during World War II before embarking on his film career.
5. Kershner was a mentor to George Lucas, the creator of the “Star Wars” franchise, and was chosen by Lucas to direct “The Empire Strikes Back” for his ability to handle complex emotional narratives.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Irvin Kershner
1. “I think of myself as a storyteller. My duty is to tell the story with the greatest clarity and emotional impact.”
2. “The director’s job is to make sure that the actor is believable and that the story is being told.”
3. “Every director is responsible for what he does. Whether you’re directing films or traffic, you’re the person in charge.”
4. “Good storytelling doesn’t have to be complicated. It has to be clear, and it has to be emotional.”
5. “I find that the more successful I am, the more I need a good sense of humor.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Irvin Kershner’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Irvin Kershner had one son, David Kershner.
Relevant Links
1. [Irvin Kershner on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0449984/
2. [Irvin Kershner Biography on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irvin_Kershner
3. [Irvin Kershner’s Hollywood Walk of Fame](https://www.walkoffame.com/irvin-kershner
4. [Star Wars Official: Irvin Kershner](https://www.starwars.com/news/irvin-kershner-1923-2010