Dean Kirkland is a renowned film and television director whose career has spanned over two decades. He is best known for directing the critically acclaimed films “The Big Chill” (1984), “Rendezvous with Death” (1985), and “The Secret Heart” (1998).
Kirkland was born in California on November 13, 1955. He attended the University of California, Berkeley where he studied film and graduated with a degree in communications. After college, he worked as an assistant director on television productions before making his directorial debut in 1983 with the made-for-TV movie “The Last Stop”.
His first feature film, “The Big Chill”, was released in 1984 and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. The ensemble cast featured an impressive lineup of Hollywood stars including Kevin Kline, Glenn Close, and Tom Berenger. The film was a box-office success and established Kirkland as an up-and-coming director.
Kirkland continued to work in both television and film throughout the 1980s and 90s, directing such projects as “Rendezvous with Death” (1985), “The Secret Heart” (1998), and “The Longest Winter” (2001). He also helmed episodes of popular television shows such as “Cheers”, “L.A. Law”, and “ER”.
In 2010, Kirkland made his return to feature films with “The King’s Speech”. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. Kirkland has since gone on to direct several other films, including “The Best of Me” (2014), “The Light Between Oceans” (2016), and “The Book of Henry” (2017).
Throughout his career, Kirkland has been praised for his ability to bring out the best in his actors and his skillful direction. He is known for his ability to create a unique visual style and for his commitment to telling stories that are both emotionally resonant and visually arresting.
Dean Kirkland is one of the most respected and successful directors working today. His films have earned him numerous awards and nominations, and his unique style and vision have left an indelible mark on the film industry.
