Mark Rydell, director of films like “The House of the Lake” died

Mmark Rydell, on Thursday, August 13, at 97. Her daughter, Amy Rydell, confirmed the news through a post she made on Instagram on Friday, August 14.

“It’s hard to express in words how much I loved my father. He was really unique. The funniest, most talented person I've ever met. I'm very grateful to be your daughter. Rest in peace, my dear father”, can be read in the aforementioned publication of Amy Rydell.

To The Hollywood Reporter, Amy Rydell also said that her father died of natural causes in a nursing home in Woodland Hills, California.

Mark Rydell's career and life

Mortimer Rydell, known as Mark Rydell, was born in New York in 1929. He studied at the University of New York, University of Chicago, Juilliard School, and later at the Neighborhood Playhouse with Sanford Meisner. At that time he made friends with James Dean, with whom he later worked in the television play "Glory in the Flower", in 1953.

Mark Rydell took his first steps as an actor in "As the World Turns" in 1956, leaving the series in 1962. He then dedicated himself to television programs, including “I Spy”, “The Wild Wild West”, “The Fugitive” and “Gunsmoke”.

He remained in acting and was part of several projects throughout his decades-long career, including "The Long Goodbye" (1973), by Robert Altman, "Havana" (1990), by Sydney Pollack, and "Hollywood Ending (2002), by Woody Allen, also recalls People.

He also performed "The Fox" in 1968, "The Reivers" (with Steve McQueen and Rupert Crosse) in 1969, "The Cowboys" (with John Wayne) in 1972, "Cinderella Liberty" (with James Caan and Marsha Mason) in 1973, "Harry and Walter Go to New York" (with Lesley Ann Warren) in 1976, "The Rose" (with Midler and Frederic Forrest) in 1979, "On Golden Pond" (with Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda) in 1981 and "The River" (with Sissy Spacek) in 1984.

He was nominated to the Oscars in 1982 for the film “On Golden Pond” (“The House of the Lake”). In fact, Jane Fonda received an Oscar for her role in this precise film, where Chelsea Thayer Wayne lives. Katharine Hepburn also received an Oscar for the role of Ethel Thayer. 

Mark Rydell married twice, also according to People, having first tied the knot with Joanne Linville in 1962. They were the parents of a daughter, Amy, and a son, Christopher. They divorced in 1973. 

Years later, the director switched alliances again. He married Esther Rydell, with whom he had a son, Alexander. They divorced in 2007.