Sydney Pollack Net Worth

Sydney Pollack: A Deep Dive into the Life, Career, and Net Worth of a Hollywood Legend

Sydney Pollack was a giant in the film industry, leaving behind a rich legacy as a director, producer, and actor. His films, known for their compelling stories, complex characters, and visual elegance, captivated audiences and critics alike. Beyond his artistic achievements, Pollack’s life story, from his humble beginnings to his Hollywood success, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of cinema.

Early Life and Education

Sydney Irwin Pollack was born on July 1, 1934, in Lafayette, Indiana. His parents, David and Rebecca Pollack, were Russian-Jewish immigrants. The family faced challenges early on as his parents divorced when he was a child. Following the separation, Sydney moved with his mother to South Bend, Indiana. His mother struggled with alcoholism and mental health issues, a difficult backdrop to his formative years. Tragically, she passed away when Sydney was still a teenager. After graduating from high school, Pollack moved to New York City, where he pursued his passion for acting at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. This marked the beginning of his journey in the world of entertainment, laying the foundation for his future success.

Career Beginnings

Pollack’s career took shape in the 1950s. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the US Army. Upon his return, he went back to the Neighborhood Playhouse, transitioning from student to assistant to his acting teacher, Sanford Meisner. This experience gave him a solid base for his later endeavors. A pivotal moment occurred when his friend, director John Frankenheimer, invited him to Los Angeles in 1960 to work as a dialogue coach for child actors in the film “The Young Savages.” It was during this time that he crossed paths with actor Burt Lancaster, who recognized Pollack’s potential and encouraged him to try directing. Pollack followed this advice, starting with directing episodes of television shows, including “The Fugitive,” “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour,” and “Ben Casey.” These early directing gigs allowed him to hone his skills and establish his name in the industry, paving the way for his eventual transition to feature films.

Film Directing: A Legacy in Two Parts

Sydney Pollack’s film directing career spanned several decades, marked by a diverse range of genres and consistently high-quality productions. His work often explored complex human relationships and societal issues. Here’s a look at his key films, divided for clarity:

Part 1: The Early Years and Establishing a Style

• The Slender Thread (1965): Pollack’s directorial debut, starring Anne Bancroft and Sidney Poitier, set the stage for his career.
• This Property Is Condemned (1966): Starring Natalie Wood and Robert Redford, the film showed Pollack’s early interest in complex characters.
• The Scalphunters (1968) & Castle Keep (1969): These films featured Burt Lancaster, exploring different genres.
• They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969): A critical success starring Jane Fonda, this drama earned Pollack his first Academy Award nomination for Best Director.
• Jeremiah Johnson (1972): Another collaboration with Robert Redford, this film showcased Pollack’s ability to depict rugged individualism.
• The Way We Were (1973): A romantic drama starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, this film became a cultural touchstone.
• Three Days of the Condor (1975): A suspenseful thriller starring Robert Redford.
• The Yakuza (1975): Starring Robert Mitchum, this film delved into the world of the Japanese mafia.
• Bobby Deerfield (1977): Starring Al Pacino.
• The Electric Horseman (1979): Featuring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, this film combined romance and social commentary.

Part 2: Commercial and Critical Acclaim

• Absence of Malice (1981): A neo-noir film starring Paul Newman and Sally Field.
• Tootsie (1982): A huge commercial success starring Dustin Hoffman, which earned Pollack another Best Director nomination.
• Out of Africa (1985): Starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. This film won Pollack his Academy Award for Best Director, as well as Best Picture.

An elated Sydney Pollack clutches two handfulls of Oscar statuettes/Getty

• Havana (1990): Reuniting with Robert Redford, this drama was set against the backdrop of the Cuban Revolution.
• The Firm (1993): A legal thriller based on the John Grisham novel, starring Tom Cruise.
• Sabrina (1995): A remake of the classic Billy Wilder film, starring Harrison Ford.
• Random Hearts (1999): Another collaboration with Harrison Ford, based on the novel by Warren Adler.
• The Interpreter (2005): A political thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn.
• Sketches of Frank Gehry (2005): A documentary about the architect Frank Gehry.

Pollack’s later work included the documentary “Sketches of Frank Gehry” and the concert film “Amazing Grace,” where he received a special thanks for his previously shot footage.

Acting Career: A Versatile Presence

While his directing work brought him widespread recognition, Sydney Pollack also maintained a successful acting career. He appeared in both film and television, showcasing his versatility as a performer. His acting credits include:

• Early Television Appearances: In the 1950s, Pollack appeared in episodes of shows such as “The Kaiser Aluminum Hour,” “Playhouse 90,” “Startime,” and “Brenner.”
• Television in the 1960s: He continued with television roles in shows like “The Twilight Zone,” “Have Gun – Will Travel,” “The Deputy,” and “The New Breed.”
• Film Debut: Pollack’s film acting debut came in 1962 with “War Hunt.”
• Supporting Roles: In 1982, he appeared in a supporting role in his own film, “Tootsie.”
• Later Film Roles: In the 1990s, Pollack took on memorable roles in films such as Robert Altman’s “The Player,” Woody Allen’s “Husbands and Wives,” and Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.”
• Television in the 2000s: Pollack appeared on the television sitcom “Will & Grace,” playing Will’s father. He also had roles in “Changing Lanes,” “Fauteuils d’orchestre,” and “Michael Clayton.” He made a guest appearance on “The Sopranos.”
• Final Acting Role: His final acting role was in the 2008 romcom “Made of Honor.”

Evan Agostini/Getty Images

Producing Career

Sydney Pollack also made significant contributions as a film producer. His producing credits include:

• “Songwriter”
• “Bright Lights, Big City”
• “Presumed Innocent”
• “Sliding Doors”
• “Cold Mountain”
• “Michael Clayton”
• “The Reader”

Notably, he earned Academy Award nominations for his work as a producer on “Michael Clayton” and “The Reader,” both of which were nominated for Best Picture.

Personal Life and Death

In 1958, Sydney Pollack married Claire Griswold, a former student of his. The couple had three children: Steven, Rebecca, and Rachel. They remained married for 50 years, until Pollack’s death in 2008. His passing occurred on May 26, 2008, at his home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California. He died of stomach cancer, surrounded by his family.

Real Estate: The Pollack Family Home

In June 2011, several months after Claire Pollack’s death, the family home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, was listed for sale for $7.9 million. The property, which had been purchased by Sydney and Claire Pollack in 1985 for $1.8 million, spanned 1 acre and featured a mansion designed by architect Wallace Neff. Claire Pollack, who had a background in architecture, oversaw renovations and expansions of the home. The property sold for $7.694 million less than two months after being listed.

Sydney Pollack’s Net Worth: A Summary

At the time of his death, Sydney Pollack’s net worth was estimated to be $18 million. This figure reflects his successful career as a director, producer, and actor, with significant income generated from his numerous film projects, both in front of and behind the camera. His financial success underscores his prominent position and lasting influence in the entertainment industry.

Sydney Pollack’s contributions to the film industry continue to be celebrated. He remains a respected figure whose work has significantly impacted cinema.