Director John Avildsen dies at 81; won Oscar for ‘Rocky’

LOS ANGELES (AP) — John G. Avildsen, who directed “Rocky” and “The Karate Kid” — two dark-horse, underdog favorites that went on to become Hollywood franchises — died Friday at age 81. Anthony Avildsen said his father died Friday in Los Angeles from pancreatic cancer. “Rocky” was a huge success. It won Oscars for best […]