Ted Kotcheff

William Theodore Kotcheff was born on April 7, 1931, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A esteemed director and producer in film and television, he is renowned for directing classic films such as Wake in Fright (1971), The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974), Joshua Then and Now (1985), First Blood (1982), and comedies like Fun with Dick and Jane (1977), North Dallas Forty (1979), and Weekend at Bernie's (1989). His rich portfolio earned him prestigious accolades including the Golden Bear at the 1974 Berlin International Film Festival for The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, and the British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Series for his work on Play for Today.

Kotcheff started his career in television at the tender age of 24 when he joined the staff of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. His father was originally from Plovdiv, Bulgaria and his mother had Macedonian Bulgarian background. This rich cultural heritage led to him applying for Bulgarian citizenship in 2016, which was granted. He eventually moved to the U.K. to work in British television, such as director for popular programs like Armchair Theatre. In 1971, he received critical acclaim for directing Australia's entry into the Cannes Film Festival, Wake in Fright. Kotcheff has continued his successful career with hits like Fun with Dick and Jane and First Blood under his belt. In the 1990s, he returned to directing for TV on American series such as Red Shoe Diaries, Buddy Faro, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.