Director Sydney Pollack Dies of Cancer at 73 (Photos)

Tootsie, Out of Africa and The Way We Were are just of few of the unforgettable films that the legendarydirected. The talented filmmaker passed away on May 26, at his LA home in Pacific Palisades at age 73 after a courageous 9 month battle with cancer.

"Stars are like thoroughbreds," Pollack once told The New York Times. "Yes, it's a little more dangerous with them. They are more temperamental. You have to be careful because you can be thrown. But when they do what they do best — whatever it is that's made them a star — it's really exciting."

One of Pollack's last projects was opposite George Clooney in the movie Michael Clayton. He was producer and actor in the film and left the star with very fond memories:



Sydney made the world a little better, movies a little better and even a dinner a little better. A tip of the hat to a class act. He'll be missed terribly."

Pollack is survived by his wife, Claire; two daughters, Rebecca and Rachel; his brother Bernie; and six grandchildren. His son Steven Pollack died in a plane crash in 1993.

Check out more photos below.





