Irvin Kershner: Tribute to a Legendary Director

"Do, or do not.
There is no 'try."
-- Yoda
Directed by Irvin Kershner











My last meeting with friend and mentor, Irvin Kershner

There are few people who can come into this world and affect as many people as much as this dear man did. Kershner was the Director of 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" and many other films. He got his start like I did, doing lots of documentaries.

In one of my speeches I remember telling about my first meeting with Kersh. I told the audience, "He walked into the room like he owned the air."You could "feel" him. Kersh was a tall man with a giant presence, but also full of curiosity and a deep desire to live life his way.

The first time I went to his home in Hollywood, I was an hour late because of traffic. This horrified me because I hate to be late. My phone calls to Kersh telling him I was on the way but stuck in traffic were met by a sweet man who told me not to worry. Take my time and be safe. (I'm sure he had a million things to do rather than wait for me). It was all the more frustrating to me because Kersh himself was making me lunch. Yikes.

But it was this first real "meeting" that set the tone for one of my most treasures friendships. I went to his home to get his help with producing and directing. I knew he was the one I wanted to teach me. Kersh had a way with emotions and actors that few had.
(I think Yoda must have chosen Kersh to direct him.)

At Kersh's tribute "party" (He did not want a funeral. He liked a good party) Frank Oz was telling about Kersh's directing Yoda. Frank Oz was the Voice of Yoda. Kersh got so involved with Yoda that he was yelling the directions to Yoda rather than giving them to Frank who was under the platform where Frank couldn't hear Kersh. But Kersh was so immersed in the performance that he had "brought Yoda to life."

That was Kersh's great ability to dive into moments and come out with treasures. I was sitting in a restaurant with Kersh the last time he came to see me in San Clemente. We got talking about deep things (he loved to discuss the bigger aspects of life) and all of a sudden he yelled out, "That's not the secret of life. The purpose of life is..." You would think there would be a hush quieter than ever before. All the people in Tratatoria's that evening were treated to the best wisdom of an uncommon man.
Few I think even noticed.

Many more actors, directors and producers spoke that evening, expanding the stories of a man we all loved.

There is so much more I could tell you about Kersh. He loved my poetry and music. It's one of the things that started our friendship. Little things like that, creating a bond that I know will last far beyond this world are the gifts of our true friends.

We have still incredible genuises like Kersh here with us today. If you are ever lucky enough to get to know one of them, cherish each moment.

Kersh, you were the star. Keep shining!

I miss you!

Terri Marie