Empire Strikes Back director Irvin Kershner dies in LA at 87

More sad news from Hollywood today. Not only did we lose actor/comedian Leslie Neilsen, but director Irvin Kershner as well.

Irvin Kershner, director of the best Star Wars film, has died at 87 in LA. Kershner also directed such genre hits as the Bond flick Never Say Never Again and Robocop 2, and the cult favorite TV series Seaquest DSV.

via I09.

Kershner directed Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. It regarded critically, and fanatically, as the best of the six films because of its wonderful mix of adventure, love, comedy, and drama. It's certainly my favorite of the series, and several moments (including Han's "I know," response to Leia's "I love you," and Darth Vader's "I am your father") have become inexorably woven into the cultural lexicon. It's certainly a very beloved film from my childhood.

Thank you Mr. Kershner.