Sydney Pollack hospitalized, gravely ill with cancer
February 5th, 2008 by Scott Marks
George Clooney & Sydney Pollack in MICHAEL CLAYTON (2007)
On September 8, Emulsion Compulsion referenced a National Enquirer report that two-time Oscar winning director Sydney Pollack’s stomach cancer had metastasized.
One week later a young woman writing as Mr. Pollack’s granddaughter Gracie left the following, very touching comment: “My Grandpa is a great man. He is strong and will fight till the end.”
It is with great sadness that I pass on another comment left earlier today. According to Gracie her grandfather’s health has not improved and he is currently hospitalized.
She also noted how much your comments meant to her family and friends. Our prayers continue to go out to you and your family, Gracie. Your grandfather is indeed a giant of a man and anyone in love with art and humanity owes him a great debt.
Links:
Sidney Pollack obituary 5/27/08
photos: Sydney Pollack
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16 Responses to “Sydney Pollack hospitalized, gravely ill with cancer”
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I am greatly saddened to hear that Sydney Pollack is battling cancer. He is such a great man and terrific artist, director, producer, and actor. He has made so many films that have warmed and won my heart. I wish him all the best and send to him my thanks for years of wonderful entertainment. Betsy
Having had the prvilege of being a high school classmate of Syds I can only second what Betsy has said. He was a terrific actor in high school and only got better as the years went on. What was neat about Syd is that he never changed his basic humanity from high school on he was always the same person just older and wiser. My heart goes out to all his friends and family.
I can only add that quite a number of his high school classmates are pulling for him. And as in all things Syd is a class act.
I went to school with Syd from 7th grade on. He was a wonderful friend and I will always remember the good times we had. I also have cancer and I told Syd if I could beat it he could too. He responded that he had had a wonderful life. I worked on all of musicals we did together at Central High School. He was so much fun and such a wonderful person. I can remember hanging out at the sweet shop with him after school. My prayers go out to his family
My wife and I were high schol classmates of Syd and still reside in So.Bend. A number of years ago Syd was given an Honorary Degree from The University of Notre Dame. While on campus we met him for drinks at the Morris Inn. He could not have been more gratious and down to earth. He never talked about himself or his career. He was more interested in our lives, careers, children etc. One of the great hollywood actors/directors/producers who maintains his humble midwest character. All the best Syd we are all pulling for you
John & Rosemary Reiter
I am so sorry to hear about Syd’s cancer. My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family. His Grandaughter is correct He is a great man.
From an old Muessel and Central High Classmate.
Jane Zollinger Horning
What wonderful memories we have of Syd via Central High School (Barnstormer’s, Comets social club,etc.). With pride, we followed Syd’s career in NY and Hollywood. We got a quick peek at him while eating in the Universal Studio diningroom years ago and a short chat when we attended a UCI movie class where he discussed his award winning movie, “Tootsie”. Bruce & Nancy Kelly joined us.
Our hearts ached with the tragic loss of his son. (His friend, CJ, did the woodwork in our home,too). Cuddos to Syd for remaining true to his Indiana values.
Jack Appleton and Conrad Prebys join us in sending Syd and his family our loving thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Mae Denbo Hillman
I worked as an assistant editor on Sydney Pollack’s film SABRINA. It was one of my best experiences working on a film. Sydney was such a charismatic spirit..such a storyteller, teacher whom we all learned from. All the other assistants were terrified of Sydney since he demanded the best from each one of us. I worked so hard for him and the film. He was really a director that made you a better assistant, a better person. He even gave me the responsibility of checking all the print film copies to make sure they were perfect before they hit the theaters ( no red!!!!) One day Sydney said,’ I hope you do not mind showing the film to a very special director? So there I was with Billy Wilder in the projection room all by myself making sure that the room was the right temperature for MR Wilder. Sydney was just a joy to work for. He did every thing his way. I would laugh at the fact that he would fly his Gulf Stream jet himself to NYC for a meeting. I would joke and tell him to take a break and fly First class on a commercial jet for once! Then during the final sound mix of the film, whenever we all found ourselves at the same restaurant, the waiter would always come over to my table at the end of my meal and tell me that MR Pollack has already paid for my bill. It was the only film of my career that I cried the last day of work. Cut to 15 years later…Paris , France…I started to read that Sydney is sick with cancer…and I cried…cried for Sydney and his family…He is such a rich and generous character. Je t’embrasse Sydney. Be strong. You will get better!!!
How blessed you are to have such brilliant and indelible memories. Thanks for the stories and your powerful words of hope.
I am so sad when I heard thatSydney Pollack is ill. In 1997 when I was making a documentary about independent film I wrote him a letter asking if he would be interviewed for my film. I was so thrilled when he responded. (My outgoing message was quite strange at the time — Parker Posey saying “I love that” over and over again. His message said, “Um, ohhhhhhhhhhhkay. This is Sydney Pollack. Call me.”)
I was so nervous to interview him. He was busy but made time for me between the many things he was doing that day. It seemed like he felt it was his duty to talk to me — to share his knowledge and experience. The minute the camera came on he was electric. His answers were precise, thoughtful, wise and and always in the moment, like a true actor. (And he wrote me a letter when he saw the film, like a true gentleman.)
Sydney, thank you for all your amazing work through the years. You are an inspiration. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sincerely, Marina Zenovich
Sydney, I trust and pray you will find the strength to overcome by committing your life to Jesus Christ at this time, who loves you and died for you. He is waiting to hear your prayer.
I am sorry to hear that Mr. Pollack’s illness has not improved. I am a great fan of his movies both as a director and an actor. (I wish he had started acting ealier in his career). My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
i am so saddened to hear that mr. pollack is so seriously ill. it is ironic to me that just a short time ago we lost his wonderful partner at mirage anthony minghella. my heart is very heavy. these two gentlemen gave us so much in the way of entertainment on the highest level. you are in my thoughts and my thanks go out to you for all the pleasure you’ve given us at the cinema. you are in my prayers…..
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Pollacks passing. I have always enjoyed his work and his personality. He seemed so genuine all of the time and he will be missed. condolences to his family.
I’m saddened by the terrible news about Mr. Pollack’s death. Stomach cancer must be a terrible way to go. I’m remembering his appearance on The Sopranos’ last season as Warren Feldman. Not only a talented director but quite a character actor too, God Bless.
D.B.
I’m so saddened by the news of Syd’s passing. He certainly was our local Hero in South Bend, IN. My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family.
Jane Zollinger Horning May 27,08