Overview

• Kotcheff's family confirmed his death, citing natural causes, in Nuevo Nayarit, Mexico, where he lived in his later years.
• Best known for directing 'First Blood,' which introduced Sylvester Stallone's John Rambo, Kotcheff declined to helm sequels due to his opposition to glorifying war.
• He also directed the cult comedy 'Weekend at Bernie’s' and the critically acclaimed Canadian film 'The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz.'
• Kotcheff transitioned to television in the 1990s, serving as executive producer on 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' for over a decade.
• Born to Bulgarian immigrant parents in Toronto, Kotcheff's career began in Canadian and British television before achieving global success in Hollywood.