Irvin Kershner
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. He studied violin, viola, and composition as a child. This musical training became the most important activity of his youth before he turned to visual arts. He attended Temple University's Tyler School of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. Later he traveled to New York and Provincetown to study painting under Hans Hofmann. He then moved to Los Angeles to learn photography at the Art Center College of Design.
World War II interrupted his artistic studies when he served three years with the U.S. Eighth Air Force. He worked as a flight engineer during those conflict years. After the war ended, he began his film career at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. He taught photography there while taking cinema courses under Slavko Vorkapić. Vorkapić was a montage artist and the dean of the school at that time.
Kershner returned to the United States after his military service to work with Paul Coates. Together they developed Confidential File, a documentary television series. He served as writer, director, cinematographer, and editor for this project. The State Department had sent him to Iran earlier as a still photographer on a Point Four Program film project. That assignment led to work as a director and cinematographer of documentaries across Iran, Greece, and Turkey with the United States Information Service.
He later created and directed the television series The Rebel from 1959 to 1961. Kershner also produced pilots for Peyton Place, Cain's Hundred, and Philip Marlowe. These early projects established his reputation in the industry before he moved into feature films. His background in photography influenced how he framed shots within these television productions. The series demonstrated his ability to handle complex narratives over multiple episodes.
The Hoodlum Priest starred Don Murray and earned an OCIC Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1961. This same film received a Palme d'Or nomination during that year. A Fine Madness followed with Sean Connery, Joanne Woodward, and Jean Seberg in key roles. The Luck of Ginger Coffey featured Robert Shaw and Mary Ure alongside other cast members. These mid-career dramas showcased Kershner's focus on character development rather than spectacle.
His independent films often explored human relationships through intimate storytelling techniques. He considered himself an internationalist who studied Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism without following Jewish customs strictly. This worldview shaped the themes within his dramatic works. The critical reception of these films proved that his approach resonated with audiences and critics alike. He continued making films like The Flim-Flam Man starring Michael Sarrazin and George C. Scott.
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. Kershner initially refused when Lucas invited him to lunch about the project. His agent later encouraged him to accept the job after hearing about the meeting. He eventually agreed because he wanted to be part of keeping Lucas's fairytale alive.
Kershner turned down a chance to direct Return of the Jedi three years later. He had spent almost three years working on The Empire Strikes Back before declining the sequel offer. Richard Marquand was chosen to direct the third film instead. Kershner stated that he would have accepted an offer for one of the Star Wars prequel trilogy films if they were produced sooner. Lucas originally estimated the first prequel would be ready for release in 1988 rather than 1999.
After his work on Star Wars, Kershner directed Never Say Never Again which brought Sean Connery back as James Bond. He also made RoboCop 2 and the HBO film Traveling Man starring John Lithgow. This HBO film earned Kershner an ACE Award nomination for his direction. He directed the pilot episode of the television series seaQuest DSV during this period. His commercial successes included these high-budget projects alongside his earlier independent dramas.
He 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. He appeared as himself uncredited in RoboCop 2 and played Walters in Steven Seagal's On Deadly Ground. These acting roles complemented his directing career while showing his versatility within the industry. He continued working on various projects throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Kershner served as a faculty member at the Master of Professional Writing Program at the University of Southern California for many years. He taught photography and provided cinematography training to students there. In fall 2002, spring 2003, fall 2004, and spring 2004 he worked as a Visiting Professor at the University of Maryland. He also held the title of Research Associate at the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities. Martha Nell Smith was the founding director who remained close to him until his death.
His academic contributions extended beyond classroom instruction into mentorship roles. He served as Smith's advisor until the end of his life. This teaching work balanced his commercial filmmaking with educational responsibilities. Students learned from his experience across multiple genres including drama, science fiction, and action films. His presence at these institutions helped shape the next generation of filmmakers.
He received numerous accolades throughout his career including a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation for The Empire Strikes Back. His film Raid on Entebbe earned nine Emmy nominations including one for Best Direction. The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival honored him with a Director of Achievement award in 2002. These recognitions reflected his impact on both independent cinema and major blockbusters. His legacy remains through his films and the students he taught.
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Common questions
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.
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.