Remembering Jonathan Kaplan: Celebrated Director and Emmy Nominee Passes Away at 77
Jonathan Kaplan, the acclaimed director who guided Jodie Foster to her first Best Actress Oscar in The Accused, has passed away at the age of 77. He died on Friday at his home in Los Angeles after a courageous battle with liver cancer, as reported by his daughter, Molly Kaplan, to The Hollywood Reporter. “He was a loving and supportive father,” she shared, reflecting on his legacy.
Kaplan, born on November 25, 1947, in Paris, grew up in a family deeply rooted in show business. His father, Sol Kaplan, was a film and TV composer, while his mother, Frances Heflin, was an actress known for her role on All My Children. With an uncle like Oscar-winning actor Van Heflin, it’s no surprise that Kaplan was drawn to the arts from an early age.
After honing his skills under the tutelage of legendary B-movie producer Roger Corman, Kaplan made his mark with the blaxploitation classic Truck Turner (1974), featuring stars like Isaac Hayes and Nichelle Nichols. He also directed Michelle Pfeiffer to an Oscar nomination in Love Field (1992), alongside other notable works such as the biopic Heart Like a Wheel (1983) and the drama Immediate Family (1989).
Perhaps his most significant achievement was The Accused (1988), a powerful legal drama based on a true story. The film featured Foster as Sarah Tobias, a waitress who bravely testifies against her attackers, despite facing immense societal pressure. While the film initially struggled in test screenings, Paramount executives Sherry Lansing and Stanley R. Jaffe championed it, leading to Foster’s first Oscar win. Kaplan’s keen insight helped him select the right script version to bring to life.
In addition to his film accomplishments, Kaplan received five Emmy nominations for his outstanding work as a producer and director on the iconic series ER. Between 1997 and 2009, he directed 40 episodes, earning acclaim for his contributions to the show.
Kaplan’s early years were marked by significant life events, including a move to New York City after his father was blacklisted in Hollywood. His artistic journey began in theater, where he worked as an understudy on Broadway. He later studied film at New York University, where he was mentored by Martin Scorsese, who helped him secure his first directing job with Corman.
Throughout his career, Kaplan directed a wide range of projects, including music videos for major artists like Barbra Streisand and Rod Stewart, as well as notable films such as Brokedown Palace (1999) and Unlawful Entry (1992). He also lent his skills to various television series, including Law & Order: SVU and Crossing Jordan.
Jonathan Kaplan is survived by his daughter, Molly, his sister actress Nora Heflin, and his nieces, Hannah and Eliza. He was previously married to Julie Selzer, who served as the casting director on many of his projects. Selzer fondly remembered him, stating, “Everyone in the cast and crew just loved him. He worked so fast, and they all appreciated that.”
As we remember Jonathan Kaplan, we celebrate his remarkable contributions to film and television, as well as the enduring legacy he leaves behind in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
