One of Hollywood's greatest directors and producers, Ted Kotcheff (William Theodore Kotcheff), has passed away at the age of 94. His name is associated with landmark films such as ''The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz'' which earned him the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

"Born in Toronto to a family of Bulgarian immigrants, Ted Kotcheff left an indelible mark on world cinema with films like ''Rambo: First Blood'', ''Weekend at Bernie’s'', ''The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz'', and ''Wake in Fright''. In 2016, he received Bulgarian citizenship and often expressed pride in his Bulgarian roots", reads a Facebook post by the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles.

"I’m interested in journeys of self-discovery—people who don’t know themselves. My films are often related to that theme. For example, in my film ''Wake in Fright'', the main character thinks he's different from the rest. But at one point, he realizes that we’re all in the same existential boat... Actually, my life path was somewhat similar. I didn’t know what I was capable of, how much I was influenced by my origins, or how far I could go'', said Ted Kotcheff during his second visit to Bulgaria in 2016 at the invitation of Sofia Film Fest.

• Ted Kotcheff plans shooting movie about saving of Bulgarian Jews during Holocaust

  
  

In October 2022. Ted Kotcheff received the Grand Award of the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles for his contribution to the Bulgarian community.

My he rest in peace!