Legendary Canadian director Ted Kotcheff has died at the age of 94, leaving behind a powerful legacy that spanned over six decades in film and television. Best known for directing First Blood—the iconic 1982 action film that introduced the world to Sylvester Stallone’s John Rambo—and the cult comedy Weekend at Bernie’s, Kotcheff’s career shaped some of the most memorable moments in cinema.

Kotcheff passed away peacefully, according to a statement from his family. Tributes from actors, filmmakers, and fans began pouring in shortly after the news broke, with many praising his unique directorial vision, storytelling skills, and contributions to both Hollywood and Canadian cinema.

Born in Toronto in 1931 to Bulgarian immigrant parents, Kotcheff studied at the University of Toronto before moving into television and film production in the UK. His early work included directing episodes of British TV dramas, and he quickly gained recognition for his bold narrative style and ability to work across genres.

His breakthrough in international cinema came with Wake in Fright (1971), a chilling psychological thriller set in the Australian outback, which later became a cult classic and was praised for its unflinching portrayal of isolation and masculinity. The film was thought lost for decades before being rediscovered and restored in the 2000s to critical acclaim.

However, it was First Blood that cemented his place in pop culture history. The film, a gritty adaptation of David Morrell’s novel, launched the Rambo franchise and became one of the most influential action films of its era. Kotcheff’s direction gave depth to what could have been a simple action flick, portraying Rambo as a troubled Vietnam veteran confronting a hostile society.

In the late 1980s, Kotcheff showed his range by shifting to comedy with Weekend at Bernie’s, a darkly comedic take on mistaken identity and death that became a sleeper hit and developed a cult following over the years.

Kotcheff also contributed significantly to television, serving as an executive producer on the long-running legal drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in its early years.

Colleagues remember Kotcheff as a kind mentor and a visionary storyteller. His work inspired countless filmmakers and continues to be studied in film schools for its technical brilliance and emotional depth.

Kotcheff is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. His death marks the end of an era, but his influence will live on through the films he made and the audiences he touched.

Canadian director Ted Kotcheff’s passing is a significant loss to the global film community, but his legacy remains vivid on the silver screen.