Director Mark Rydell, Behind On Golden Pond and The Rose, Dies at 97

Mark Rydell, the Oscar-nominated director of On Golden Pond and The Rose, died in Los Angeles at age 97 from natural causes, his passing revealed by Bette Midler on Instagram. A former actor who shifted to directing, he helmed films such as The Fox, The Reivers, Cinderella Liberty, The River and For The Boys, earning an Academy Award nomination for On Golden Pond. The Rose helped catapult Midler to stardom and led to further collaborations with Rydell. He also worked extensively in television and produced several projects. Survivors include his three children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.