Born on December 21, 1935, in Oak Park, Illinois, he was a celebrated American film director known for his ability to craft inspiring underdog stories. He gained prominence with "Rocky" (1976), which earned him an Academy Award for Best Director. His skill in depicting triumph against adversity continued with "The Karate Kid" series. His career spanned several decades, and his films often focused on personal redemption and perseverance. He passed away on June 16, 2017.