Irvin Kershner was an influential American film director best known for his work on the iconic Star Wars sequel, The Empire Strikes Back. Born on April 29, 1923, Kershner's career spanned several decades, during which he directed a variety of films across different genres, showcasing his versatility and creativity. In addition to his work in the Star Wars franchise, Kershner directed notable films such as RoboCop 2 and Never Say Never Again, the latter being a James Bond film. His unique storytelling style and ability to develop complex characters left a lasting impact on the film industry, earning him a dedicated following among cinephiles.