John G. Avildsen

About

1977 Academy Award winner for Best Director, which he earned for his work on the iconic first film in the Rocky franchise.

Before Fame

He started out as an assistant director before making his official directorial debut with Joe in 1970.

Trivia

He was originally slated to direct Serpico and Saturday Night Fever but was fired over disputes with the films' producers.

Family Life

His son Ash was the founder of Sumerian Records.

Associated With

He directed Sylvester Stallone in Rocky, which was also written by Stallone.