Empire Strikes Back director Irvin Kershner dies at 87 – RIP

They say celebrity deaths come in threes, but let’s hope this one ends with two. Shortly after the news of Leslie Nielson’s passing hit, it was announced that Irvin Kershner has passed away at the age of 87 in his Paris home after a long illness.

Born in Philadelphia in 1923, Kershner went from musician to photographer to documentarian before becoming a feature film director. He is best known for helming the second (and, arguably, best) entry in the STAR WARS franchise, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. His other credits include ROBOCOP II and the James Bond movie NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN.

A more detailed look at Kershner’s career can be found on his Fansite. May he rest in peace.