John Cassavetes

JOHN CASSAVETES d1989. Greek-American actor, film director and screenwriter. He was a pioneer of American independent film, writing and directing over a dozen movies which he partially self-financed. He also acted in many Hollywood films most notably ; Rosemary's Baby (1968) and  The Dirty Dozen (1967). His income from acting made it possible for him to direct his own films independently. He was nominated for three separate Academy Awards ; Best Supporting Actor for The Dirty Dozen (1967) / Best Original Screenplay for Faces (1968) and Best Director for A Woman Under the Influence (1974). He died in Los Angeles aged 59 on February 3rd 1989 from cirrhosis of the liver caused by many years of alcoholism