Mark Rydell: key obituary facts
Is Mark Rydell dead? Yes. Mark Rydell died on August 14, 2026, at age 97.
Cause of death: Mark Rydell's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Mark Rydell known for?
He was an American actor, film director, and producer.
More about Mark Rydell
Born: 23 March 1934.
Place of birth: New York City.
Gender: male.
Occupation: actor, television actor, film actor, film director, character actor, film producer, director, television producer.
Nationality: United States.
Education: Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.
Spouse: Joanne Linville.
Children: Christopher Rydell.
Career began: 1953.
Occupations: Film director, producer, actor.
Years active: 1952–2020.
Mark Rydell, the American film director behind On Golden Pond, The Rose and The River, died on August 14, 2026, aged 97.
Born Mortimer H. Rydell in New York City on March 23, 1929, he worked as an actor, producer and director across film and television, and his directing credits included The Fox, The Reivers and Cinderella Liberty.
Rydell was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director for On Golden Pond, one of the best-known films of his career.