Oscar winning-director John G. Avildsen has died in Los Angeles, according to Los Angeles Times. He was 81.
Avildsen won an Academy Award for directing the original 1976 “Rocky” starring Sylvester Stallone, and went on to direct all three of the original “Karate Kid” films. Avildsen also won the DGA Award for directing “Rocky,” which earned Oscars for best picture and film editing, and was nominated in multiple other categories.
A representative for Avildsen did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
http://www.thewrap.com/rocky-and-karate-kid-director-john-g-avildsen-dies-at-81/