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Ted Kotcheff, the legendary director behind the iconic 1982 film First Blood, which introduced the world to Sylvester Stallone’s John Rambo, has passed away at the age of 94 in Mexico due to heart failure. Known for his diverse body of work, Kotcheff’s career spanned multiple genres and included hits like Uncommon Valor (1983) and the classic comedy Weekend at Bernie’s (1989).
Born William Theodore Kotcheff in 1931 in Toronto, Canada, he graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in English Literature before embarking on a career in filmmaking. Over the years, he worked with a range of high-profile actors, including the late Gene Hackman, George Segal, and Jane Fonda.
Kotcheff’s approach to filmmaking was shaped by his belief in not passing judgment on his characters. He once reflected on this philosophy in an interview with Variety in 2016, saying, “I am not the judge of my characters, and that became part of my artistic credo. That’s how I approach all of my characters.”
The release of First Blood in 1982 marked a turning point in his career. The film, which followed the journey of John Rambo, a war veteran played by Stallone, was a surprise hit. With a budget of $16 million, it grossed over $125 million globally, which would be equivalent to $317 million today. However, Kotcheff was outspoken about his discomfort with the direction the Rambo franchise later took, particularly with the sequels that glorified violence and war. He famously turned down the chance to direct the first sequel, saying, “In the first film he doesn’t kill anybody. In this film, he kills 75 people.”
Kotcheff’s dedication to his principles meant turning down significant financial rewards. He admitted that the second Rambo movie grossed $300 million, but he couldn’t bring himself to make a film that contradicted his personal values.
Beyond the Rambo series, Kotcheff had a varied and successful career. He directed Weekend at Bernie’s, a cult classic comedy in 1989, and also worked on films like the 1962 British drama Tiara Tahiti starring James Mason and John Mills.
Ted Kotcheff was married to British actress Sylvia Kay in 1960, who appeared in his film Wake in Fright. Sylvia passed away in January 2019 at the age of 82. Kotcheff is survived by his second wife, Laifun Chun, and his children from both marriages.
Kotcheff’s career and legacy have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, and he will be remembered for his skill in crafting memorable, multifaceted stories.