John G. Avildsen

Birth Name:

John Guilbert Avildsen

Birth Place:

Oak Park, Illinois, United States

Profession

Director, Editor, Cinematographer, Producer, Writer, Camera department, Actor, Assistant director, Production manager

Nominated for three Razzie Awards, including his work on "Rocky V", "The Karate Kid, Part 3" and "The Formula"
Started his career in show business as an assistant to directors Arthur Penn and Otto Preminger
Following Oscar success with "Rocky" and "Save the Tiger", he would go on to helm numerous other commercial hits including "The Karate Kid" and others
Began his directorial debut with several critical successes including 1970's "Joe" and later 1973's "Save the Tiger" and 1976's "Rocky"
Declined to direct numerous "Rocky" sequels, however, he would return to helm the franchise's final installment, "Rocky V"
Fired as the director from "Saturday Night Fever" and "Serpico" after disputes with producers of each film

Fast Facts