When was Irvin Kershner born and where did he grow up?
Irvin Kershner was born Isadore Kershner on the 29th of April 1923 in Philadelphia. His parents were Ukrainian-Jewish immigrants who filled his early years with music and art.
Questions about Irvin Kershner
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What films did Irvin Kershner direct during his career?
Irvin Kershner directed The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Never Say Never Again, RoboCop 2, and The Hoodlum Priest. He also created the television series The Rebel from 1959 to 1961 and produced pilots for Peyton Place, Cain's Hundred, and Philip Marlowe.
How did Irvin Kershner connect with George Lucas?
George Lucas knew Irvin Kershner from their time together at USC School of Cinematic Arts. Lucas asked him to direct The Empire Strikes Back in 1980 despite many younger directors being available.
Did Irvin Kershner act in any movies besides directing them?
Irvin Kershner made his debut as an actor in Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ released in 1988. In that film he played Zebedee, the father of the apostles James and John.
Where did Irvin Kershner teach photography and filmmaking?
Kershner served as a faculty member at the Master of Professional Writing Program at the University of Southern California for many years. In fall 2002, spring 2003, fall 2004, and spring 2004 he worked as a Visiting Professor at the University of Maryland.