Irvin Kershner

Irvin Kershner (born as Isadore Kershner) was an exceptional American director known for both film and television. He began his career directing independent drama films and served as a lecturer at the University of Southern California. He then switched gears to high-budget blockbusters such as The Empire Strikes Back, Never Say Never Again, and RoboCop 2. These notable works earned him a plethora of accolades, including nominations for both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Palme d'Or. Kershner was born in Philadelphia to Russian-Jewish parents with strong art and music backgrounds that greatly influenced his upbringing.

Throughout World War II, Kershner put his filming career on pause to serve three years with the U.S. Eighth Air Force as a flight engineer. Post-war, he kickstarted his film career at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. He started by teaching photography, took cinema courses under montage artist Slavko Vorkapić, and then transitioned to working as a director and cinematographer in Iran, Greece, and Turkey with the United States Information Service. While managing his work as a writer, director, cinematographer, and editor Kershner developed a documentary television series Confidential File with Paul Coates. Later, he directed successful feature films and TV movies, garnering critical acclaim. Kershner considered himself an internationalist and prided himself on being deeply knowledgeable about Christianity, Muslim religion and Buddhism.

His blockbuster hit, The Empire Strikes Back, propelled his career. Invited as a surprise candidate by George Lucas Kershner was chosen for his concern for character development and his classic Hollywood knowledge. Though initially hesitant, Kershner was persuaded by his agent and later expressed pride in being part of Lucas's fairytale. He turned down a chance to direct Return of the Jedi due to the time commitments but expressed that he would have accepted to direct if the opportunity had come sooner.