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Many supporters of the “Star Wars” film franchise would contend that “Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” ranks as the most riveting work. Whitman product Kershner directed the 1980 movie that marked the creative apex of his 35-year cinematic and television career. An alumnus of South Philadelphia High School, he had dreamt of becoming a composer, with time at the Settlement Music School’s Mary Louise Curtis Branch as motivation but chose a life behind the camera after studying photography in California.
Once engrossed in conveying plots, Kershner aligned himself with marquee names such as Sean Connery, Tommy Lee Jones and Barbra Streisand. In addition to his contribution to the “Star Wars” universe, he helmed ’83’s “Never Say Never Again,” allowing him to say he furthered the James Bond saga, too. Four months before his November 2010 death, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films.
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
The South Philadelphia Walk of Fame 2013 inductees
/ Marian Anderson / Paul Arizin / Frankie Avalon / Joey Bishop / John Chaney /
/ James Darren / Angelo Dundee / Fabian / Larry Fine / Eddie Fisher /
/ Kenny Gamble / Frank Gasparro / Joey Giardello / Stephen Girard / Sherman Hemsley /
/ Irvin Kershner / Jack Klugman / Eddie Lang / Mario Lanza / Rob McElhenney /
/ Joe Medeiros / Earl "The Pearl" Monroe / Nathan Morris / Michelle Nader / Gene Perret /
/ Frank Rizzo / Bobby Rydell / Lisa Scottoline / Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter / Anna Verna /
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