John G. Avildsen

John Guilbert Avildsen (December 21, 1935 – June 16, 2017) was an American film director. He is best known for directing the film Rocky in which he won the Academy Award for Best Picture. His other notable films include Joe (1970), Save the Tiger, Neighbors (1981) and The Karate Kid (1984).

Early life
Avildsen was born in Oak Park, Illinois, the son of Ivy (née Guilbert) and Clarence John Avildsen. He was educated at The Hotchkiss School and New York University.

Filmography

 * Turn on to Love (1969)
 * Guess What We Learned in School Today? (1969)
 * Joe (1970)
 * Cry Uncle! (1971)
 * Okay Bill (1972)
 * Save the Tiger (1973)
 * The Stoolie (1974)
 * Fore Play (1975)
 * W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings (1975)
 * Rocky (1976)
 * Slow Dancing in the Big City (1978)
 * The Formula (1980)
 * Neighbors (1981)
 * Traveling Hopefully (1982)
 * A Night in Heaven (1983)
 * The Karate Kid (1984)
 * The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
 * Happy New Year (1987)
 * For Keeps (1988)
 * Lean On Me (1989)
 * The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
 * Rocky V (1990)
 * The Power of One (1992)
 * 8 Seconds (1994)
 * Inferno (1999)