John G. Avildsen, who directed "Rocky" and "The Karate Kid" - two dark-horse, underdog favorites that went on to become Hollywood franchises - died Friday at age 81. It won Oscars for best picture, director (Avildsen) and editing and was nominated for seven others. He relented and directed both "The Karate Kid, Part II" in 1986 and "The Karate Kid, Part III" in 1989. Boyle, whose career got a huge boost from "Joe," told The New York Times that as a director, Avildsen was "on your side. After "Joe," Avildsen directed "Save the Tiger" (1973) starring Jack Lemmon as a burned-out dress manufacturer.

Source: India Today June 17, 2017 01:30 UTC