Mark Rydell, the Oscar-nominated director of ‘On Golden Pond,’ dies at 97

Mark Rydell, Oscar-nominated director of the sentimental film "On Golden Pond," has passed away at the age of 97. His daughter, Amy Rydell, confirmed his death on Thursday due to natural causes at a retirement community for the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. Amy expressed her deep love for her father on Instagram, describing him as "one of a kind" and "funniest and most talented person I’ve ever known."

"Onto Golden Pond," which featured Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn, garnered 10 Oscar nominations. Fonda and Hepburn were honored with leading role awards, while Rydell was nominated for directing but ultimately lost to Warren Beatty for "Reds." The film grossed over $119 million at the box office, placing it as the second-highest earning movie of 1981, trailing only "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

"Onto Golden Pond" marked Henry Fonda's final film role, portraying an emotionally distant and brittle father who learns to connect with his teenage grandson and wife during a summer at their cottage in New England. The story of the film mirrored Henry Fonda's own relationship with his daughter Jane, who stated that the experience helped mend some of their unresolved issues. Fonda, who won his sole Oscar at the age of 77, passed away the following year.

Rydell's filmography also included other Oscar-nominated films such as "The Fox" (1967), "The Reivers" (1969) with John Wayne, "Cinderella Liberty" (1973) alongside James Caan and Marsha Mason, "The Rose" (1979) featuring Bette Midler, and "The River" (1984) with Mel Gibson and Sissy Spacek. Born Mortimer Harold Rydell on March 23, 1929, in New York City, he initially studied with jazz pianist Teddy Wilson at the Juilliard School of Music.

During his military service, he spent two years in Japan creating entertainment for military personnel. Rydell pursued acting after earning a scholarship to the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, making his Broadway debut in "Seagulls Over Sorrento" alongside Rod Steiger. His movie acting debut occurred in 1956 in "Crime In The Streets" with John Cassavetes and Sal Mineo.