Herbert Ross

Herbert David Ross (May 13, 1927 – October 9, 2001) was a significant figure in American theater and cinema, known for his work as an actor, choreographer, director, and producer. He was particularly known for directing musicals and comedies such as Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969), The Owl and the Pussycat (1970), Play It Again, Sam (1972), The Sunshine Boys, Funny Lady (both 1975), The Goodbye Girl (1977), California Suite (1978), and Pennies From Heaven (1981). Additionally, he directed notable films like Footloose (1984), and Steel Magnolias (1989). For the drama The Turning Point (1977) he received two Academy Award nominations for Best Picture and Best Director and also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Director.

Born in Brooklyn, New York to Russian-Jewish immigrants, Ross started his career in 1942, making his Broadway debut as a dancer. Later, he worked with illustrious names like Barbra Streisand, Stephen Sondheim, Richard Rodgers, and Arthur Laurents. He choreographed Broadway productions such as A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in 1951, Finian's Rainbow in 1960, I Can Get It for You Wholesale in 1962, and Do I Hear a Waltz? in 1965, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Choreography for Anyone Can Whistle in 1964. After spending years as a choreographer, Ross made his film directing debut with musical Goodbye, Mr. Chips in 1969.