John G. Avildsen (1935-2017) was an American director and editor, renowned for his ability to tell stories of perseverance and individual triumph.

His most iconic work is **Rocky** (1976), which earned him an Academy Award for Best Director and cemented Sylvester Stallone's status as a star. Avildsen replicated this success with **The Karate Kid** (1984), also focusing on a young person who overcomes adversity through discipline and mentorship.

His style is distinguished by its focus on ordinary characters facing extraordinary challenges, often exploring themes of redemption, discipline, and overcoming personal limits. His films balance realism and inspiration, though they could at times lean towards sentimentality. Among his earlier works, the gritty **Joe** (1970) and **Save the Tiger** (1973) stand out; for the latter, Jack Lemmon won an Academy Award. Avildsen was a master at depicting the power of will.