Trigger warning: This article contains references to an individual’s death.Legendary film and television director Jonathan Kaplan, best known for his powerful work on the Oscar-winning film ‘The Accused’ and his multiple Emmy-nominated episodes of ‘ER,’ has passed away at the age of 77. The Hollywood veteran’s death, confirmed by his daughter Molly, marks the end of a prolific career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on both the big and small screens. Fans and industry peers are mourning the loss of the filmmaker whose commitment to compelling and socially conscious storytelling earned him critical acclaim.
Who was Jonathan Kaplan?
Jonathan was the son of the film composer Sol Kaplan and actress Frances Heflin. He was born in Paris and moved to Los Angeles and then New York. During his childhood, he made appearances in Elia Kazan’s Broadway production ‘The Dark at the Top of the Stairs.’ He did his graduation at the University of Chicago and later pursued filmmaking under Martin Scorsese at New York University. He made his award-winning short film ‘Stanley’ in 1967.The renowned filmmaker then recommended Jonathan Kaplan to Roger Corman, where he got hired to helm his first feature project, ‘Night Call Nurses.’ After the movie turned into a hit at the box office, Kaplan got several offers to direct. He went on to direct movies like ‘The Student Teachers,’ ‘The Slam,’ ‘Truck Turner,’ ‘White Line Fever,’ and ‘Over The Edge’ in the 1970s.Kaplan made a comeback into movies after directing his critically acclaimed film, ‘The Accused.’ Jodie Foster won her first Academy Award in the Best Actress category for the film. Later, he helmed projects like ‘Immediate Family,’ starring James Woods and Glenn Close; Kurt Russell, Madeleine Stowe, and Ray Liotta-starrer ‘Unlawful Entry’; and ‘Love Field,’ with Michelle Pfeiffer, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. His last film, ‘Brokedown Palace,’ was released in 1999.
Other works and personal life.
The late director then ventured into directing TV shows and episodes. He also turned producer for movies and shows. He helmed more than 50 episodes of the show ‘ER’ and also served as a producer of the same, earning five Emmy nominations between 1997 and 2005. His last credit as an executive producer was for a 2014 film, ‘That Guy Dick Miller.’The filmmaker got married to casting director Julie Selzer in 1987, with whom he had his only child. The couple divorced in 2001. He is survived by his daughter, Molly Kaplan, his sister, Nora, and his two nieces.
