On April 10, 2025, renowned Canadian-Bulgarian director Ted Kotcheff died in Nuevo Nayarit, Mexico. During Kotcheff’s 40-year career in television, theatre, and film, his works spanned genres such as new wave cinema, sports drama, comedy, and action. Kotcheff’s films often featured characters who were outsiders and whose experiences under exceptional circumstances pushed them to uncover hidden darkness within themselves. Among Kotcheff’s best-known works are Weekend at Bernie’s, First Blood, Fun with Dick and Jane, North Dallas Forty, and Wake in Fright. 

In remembrance of Kotcheff’s remarkable career, we are resharing this 2013 interview from NPL staffer Bill Chamberlain who interviewed Kotcheff as part of our Legends of Film podcast. In this interview, Kotcheff shares behind-the-scenes insights from films like Wake in Fright, Billy Two Hats, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, and more.

Several of Kotcheff’s films are housed in NPL’s collection– find out more and place those items on hold here.