Sydney Pollack, R.I.P.

By now, most film lovers don't need me to tell them that one of the great actor's directors has passed on. Sydney Pollack, the director of The Way We Were and Tootsie died of cancer at his home Monday afternoon. He was 73.

Pollack's career spanned over four decades, working in television and film. He will be remembered as a versatile director, able to work in almost any genres. He directed western, romance, intrigue, comedy and drama. He was nominated three times for an Academy Award for Best Director. He won for Out of Africa in 1986.

In addition to directing, he was also a producer. His last project was a film for HBO Pictures called Recount, about the 2000 election. He left the project when his health declined.

Pollack also acted in many films, even appearing in his own movies. His uncredited role as Dustin Hoffman's agent in Tootsie was done at Hoffman's request.