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Ted KotcheffCanadian television, film director and producer
Date of Birth: 07.04.1931
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- The Early Life and Career of Ted Kotcheff
- Breakthrough with "Armchair Theatre"
- International Success with "Rambo: First Blood"
- Other Notable Works
- Personal Life
The Early Life and Career of Ted Kotcheff
Born in Toronto, Canada, to Bulgarian refugees from Macedonia, Ted Kotcheff began his television career at the age of 24, joining the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in 1954. As the youngest director on staff, he worked on shows such as "General Motors Theatre" before deciding to move to the United Kingdom in 1958.
Breakthrough with "Armchair Theatre"
In the UK, Kotcheff found inspiration in fellow Canadian Sidney Newman, who had moved to head up the drama department at ABC, a regional franchise of the ITV network. Newman cast Kotcheff as a director for his popular drama series "Armchair Theatre," where he helmed several episodes between 1958 and 1960.
International Success with "Rambo: First Blood"
Kotcheff's international breakthrough came in 1982 with the action film "Rambo: First Blood," starring Sylvester Stallone. The film's success launched Kotcheff's career in Hollywood, where he directed numerous other films, including "Uncommon Valor" (1983), "North Dallas Forty" (1979), and "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" (1974).
Other Notable Works
Throughout his career, Kotcheff directed a wide range of television shows and films, including:
- Television:"General Motors Theatre," "Armchair Theatre," "The Twilight Zone," "Hawaii Five-O"
- Film:"The Skull" (1965), "Wake in Fright" (1971), "Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?" (1978)
Personal Life
Ted Kotcheff currently resides in Beverly Hills with his wife, Laila, and two children, Alexandra and Thomas. He also has three children from his previous marriage to actress Sylvia Kay: Aaron, Katrina, and Joshua.