Sylvester Stallone and director John G. Avildsen on Oscar night when John won Best Director for "Rocky".

Sylvester Stallone, John G. Avildsen, and Carl Weathers at an event for Rocky (1976)

John G. Avildsen at an event for Rocky (1976)

John G. Avildsen at an event for La forza del singolo (1992)

John G. Avildsen at an event for The 49th Annual Academy Awards (1977)

"Academy Awards: 49th Annual," Jack Nicholson, Sylvester Stallone.

"Academy Awards: 49th Annual," John Avildson (Best Director) 1977.

John G. Avildsen on the set of "The Karate Kid, Part II"

Sylvester Stallone, John G. Avildsen, and Burgess Meredith in Rocky (1976)

Burt Young with Director John Avildsen and his daughter Bridget

SIR JOHN GIELGUD and AVILDSEN - THE POWER OF ONE

RALP MACCHIO, PAT MORITA, JOHN AVILDSEN, ROBERT KAMEN - THE KARATE KIDS 25 YEARS LATER

John G. Avildsen (right) and Morgan Freeman (left) on the set of "Lean on Me".