Sydney Pollack: Oscar-Winning Director of Out of Africa Dies at 73

Sydney Pollack was an American director, producer and actor. Born on July 1, 1934, in Lafayette, Indiana, he studied acting in New York with Sanford Meisner.

He won Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for Out of Africa (1985). His other films include They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, The Way We Were, Three Days of the Condor, Tootsie and The Firm. He also acted in Tootsie, Michael Clayton and Husbands and Wives.

Pollack was married to Claire Griswold for 50 years and had three children. He died of cancer at his home in Los Angeles on May 26, 2008, at age 73.

Achievements: Two Academy Awards for Out of Africa (1985).

Birth: July 1, 1934 - Lafayette, Indiana.

Profession: Director and producer.

Interesting Facts: He directed Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie and also played his agent.