Roman Polanski

Roman Polanski, originally named Raymond Roman Thierry Liebling, is an acclaimed Franco-Polish film director, producer, writer, and actor. Having survived the Holocaust, he launched his filmmaking career in Poland in the 1950s. Some of his best-known movies include The Pianist, Rosemary’s Baby, Tess, Chinatown, and Knife in the Water. Despite his artistic accomplishments and awards, Polanski's reputation is largely marred by his conviction of sexually assaulting 13-year-old Samantha Gailey in 1977. When he learned that the judge was planning to reject his plea bargain and jail him, Polanski fled to Europe and has remained a fugitive from U.S. justice. Further allegations of abuse by other women have been made as well. Throughout his life, Polanski has faced immense personal tragedies and controversies, which have invariably intersected with his professional life.