Mark Rydell, director of On Golden Pond, dies at 97

Mark Rydell, the Oscar-nominated director of On Golden Pond, The Rose, and For the Boys, has died at 97. Bette Midler announced the death on Instagram on 14 August 2026. Rydell directed Midler in her first film, The Rose (1979), and reunited with her for For the Boys (1991). His death was confirmed by Deadline.