**Irvin Kershner (1923-2010)** was an American director and actor, known for his versatile career and his ability to handle large productions. He began his career with dramatic and independent films, quickly earning a reputation for his character-driven direction.

His fame grew by directing some of Hollywood's most iconic sequels. Among his most celebrated works is **_Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back_** (1980), universally acclaimed for its darker and more complex narrative and character development, often considered the best in the saga. He also directed the James Bond film **_Never Say Never Again_** (1983), which marked Sean Connery's return, and the sci-fi sequel **_RoboCop 2_** (1990).

Kershner was appreciated for his ability to infuse psychological depth and an often more mature tone even into successful franchises, elevating the source material with attentive and character-focused direction.