His longtime friend, the late “Inside the Actor’s Studio” host James Lipton, praised Rydell as an “actor’s director.”
“There are few directors who really understand and who can encourage the actor, and when the actor needs guidance can give it to the actor in terms other than `just stand up now and walk two paces’ — all of those dumb directions.”
Those sentiments were echoed on Instagram by actress Lesley Ann Warren, who appeared in Rydell’s 1976 film “Harry and Walter Go to New York” and considered him a friend.
“It was always a joy to be around him,” she wrote. “He understood at the deepest level what actors need to propel them to express the writer’s vision, their own and ultimately, the director’s. I adored him and his ever present twinkle. I am forever grateful to have known and loved him. R.I.P, Maestro.”
Others on social media celebrated Rydell’s skill directing emotionally driven, human-centric dramas. All told, his films garnered 26 Academy Award nominations, including eight for actor’s performances.