Wissenswertes

Has directed 8 actors to Oscar nominations: Rupert Crosse, Sissy Spacek, Bette Midler, Frederic Forrest, Marsha Mason, Jane Fonda, Henry Fonda, & Katharine Hepburn. Fonda (Henry) and Hepburn won for their performances in Am goldenen See (1981).

Studied at Julliard School of Music and played New York nightclubs as a jazz pianist.

He was thirty-eight years old when he directed his first feature film.

Director of the Actor's Studio West.

Producer Michael Douglas considered him as director of Starman (1984) but the job went to John Carpenter.

Has directed one Emmy Award-winning performance: Michael Moriarty in James Dean - Ein Leben auf der Überholspur (2001).

Uncle of actresses Maggie Wagner and Emily Wagner, director Andrew Wagner.

Son of actress Evelyn Rydell.

Father of actor Christopher Rydell.

Father of actress Amy Rydell.

Father of Alexander, 24, aspiring filmmaker.

Trained in music, he had initial aspirations of becoming a conductor.

Studied acting at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City.