'Love Story' Director Arthur Hiller Dies At 92
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Arthur Hiller, the Oscar-nominated director of "Love Story" and past president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, died Wednesday of natural causes in Los Angeles at 92.
The Canada native's film credits also include "Silver Streak," "The Americanization of Emily," "The Man in the Glass Booth," "The Hospital" and "The In-Laws."
He received the Academy's 2001 Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, honoring his charitable work and support of educational institutions and civil rights groups. He was president of the Academy from 1993-97, and president of the Directors Guild of America from 1989-1993.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved friend Arthur Hiller," Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said. "I was a member of the board during his presidency and was fortunate enough to witness firsthand his dedication to the Academy and his lifelong passion for visual storytelling. Our condolences go out to his loved ones."
Hiller began his career on television, directing episodes of shows including "Zane Grey Theater," "Perry Mason," "Gunsmoke," "The Rifleman," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Route 66" and an episode of "The Addams Family."
Dismissed by some critics as overly syrupy, "Love Story," with Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal as star-crossed Ivy League lovers, was one of the most popular movies of 1970. The film, based on the popular novel of the same name by Erich Segal, reduced thousands of moviegoers to tears and created a national catch phrase: "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
Hiller won the Golden Globe for best director for "Love Story." He was nominated for the director Oscar, but lost to Franklin Schaffner, who won for "Patton," the 1971 best picture winner.
Hiller is survived by his daughter, Erica Hiller Carpenter; son, Henryk; and five grandchildren. His wife of 68 years, Gwen, died in June.
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