binkywood: Sydney Pollack: 1943

Sydney Pollack lost his battle with cancer on Monday, though his career and achievements won't soon be forgotten.

Sydney Irwin Pollack grew up in Lafayette, Indiana, with his brother, Bernie (who also went on to act, produce and design costumes). His father was a professional boxer and pharmacist and his mother died young, at 37.

Sydney studied at The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City and eventually taught there himself, which is where he met his wife, Claire Griswold. The two married in 1958 and had three children, Rachel, Rebecca and Stephen, who, sadly, died in a plane crash in '93.

His body of work is impressive, to say the least; he was an Oscar-winning actor, director and producer. He produced, directed and appeared in television shows and movies that have become household names: Tootsie, Eyes Wide Shut, Michael Clayton, The Sopranos, King of the Hill, Will & Grace and Entourage, to name a few. His film and television achievements garnered him many awards, including Best Director and Picture, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, and Best Motion Picture.

George Clooney, who worked with Sydney on Michael Clayton, spoke about his fellow colleague and friend after his death.

"Sydney made the world a little better, movies a little better and even dinner a little better," he said. ""A tip of the hat to a class act. He'll be missed terribly."

The tributes continued, from the likes of Quincy Jones, Barbara Streisand and Tom Cruise, who worked with Sydney on the films Eyes Wide Shut and The Firm.

"Throughout the years, unpretentious and never condescending, he shared with me what he loved about family, storytelling, food, flying and a great bottle of vino," Cruise said. "He was a Renaissance man and a great friend. I will miss him dearly."

Sydney was diagnosed ten months ago and was receiving treatment at the time of his death, his publicist said. He died at age 73, with his family at his side.

[photos: google images]