Mark Rydell, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker known for ‘On Golden Pond’, ‘The Rose’ and ‘For the Boys’, has passed away at the age of 97. His death was announced by Bette Midler on Instagram.Mark Rydell passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026. His daughter Amy Rydell also confirmed, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, that he died of natural causes at a retirement community in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles.Amy’s Instagram note read, “Hard to put into words how much I loved my Dad. He was truly one of a kind. Funniest and most talented person I’ve ever known. I am so grateful to be his daughter. RIP love your fatso potato chip #97 #missmydad.”
Bette Midler remembers Mark Rydell
Bette Midler shared a personal tribute after learning of Rydell’s death. Their professional association began with ‘The Rose’, which was Bette Midler’s first major film role. The two later worked together on ‘For the Boys’.“Mark Rydell, the director or my first film, The Rose, died this morning. He was an actor of note before he became a director, and I was so lucky to have met him when I did; he taught me so much on The Rose and later on For The Boys. Two Oscars nominations both because of him. He was the actor’s whisperer; just a few words was all it took to understand what was needed,” wrote Bette Midler.The post was filled with comments from fans who remembered Rydell’s work. One commenter wrote, “He also directed On Golden Pond, a film very dear to my heart. My condolences to you. The man was a visionary.”Another person shared their affection for ‘The Rose’, writing, “The Rose is one of my all time favorite movies”.A further tribute connected the film to a personal memory, “My deepest condolences. It was my late husbands and mine first date and our daughter’s middle name is Rose after it. It will always hold a special place in my heart and you were phenomenal in it. I was blessed to meet the writer of the song Amanda McBroom recently.”
Mark Rydell’s journey from actor to director
Born Mortimer H. Rydell on March 23, 1929, Mark Rydell began his career as an actor. He later moved behind the camera and started directing for television before entering feature filmmaking.His first feature as a director was ‘The Fox’ in 1967, an adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s novel. He followed it with films including ‘The Reivers’, ‘Cinderella Liberty’, ‘The Rose’ and ‘The River’.Mark Rydell became known for working closely with performers. His filmography included collaborations with Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, Jane Fonda, Bette Midler, Marsha Mason and Sissy Spacek. Several actors received Oscar nominations or wins for performances in his films.
‘On Golden Pond’ brings Oscar recognition
Mark Rydell reached the peak of his film career with ‘On Golden Pond’ in 1981. The movie was adapted from Ernest Thompson’s stage play and explored family relationships through the story of an ageing couple.The film received 10 Academy Award nominations and won three. Henry Fonda won Best Actor, while Katharine Hepburn received Best Actress. Ernest Thompson won for his adapted screenplay. Rydell was nominated for Best Director, while Jane Fonda received a Best Supporting Actress nomination.‘On Golden Pond’ was also notable for bringing Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda together on screen. It became Henry Fonda’s final starring film. Katharine Hepburn’s victory marked her fourth Academy Award for acting.
A career built around performances
Mark Rydell’s filmography included several productions that received major awards recognition. ‘The Reivers’ earned Rupert Crosse a supporting actor nomination. ‘The Rose’ brought Academy Award nominations to Bette Midler and Frederic Forrest. ‘Cinderella Liberty’ earned Marsha Mason an acting nomination, while ‘The River’ brought recognition to Sissy Spacek.Rydell later continued working in television and film. His television credits included ‘Crime of the Century’ and ‘James Dean’, while his later film work included ‘Intersection’ and ‘Even Money’. He also served as an executive producer on ‘An Unfinished Life’.Meanwhile, Mark Rydell’s last directed work was the 2006 film ‘Even Money’.