Herbert Ross

The Profile

Herbert Ross (1927–2001) was an American film director and choreographer from New York City. A former Broadway choreographer, he became a major Hollywood filmmaker known for dialogue-driven comedies and dramas, frequent collaborations with Neil Simon, and dance-centered films.

American film director and choreographer; frequent Neil Simon collaborator; directed Play It Again, Sam, The Sunshine Boys, The Goodbye Girl, California Suite, Nijinsky, Footloose, and Steel Magnolias.

Reviews frame Ross as an underappreciated craftsman: California Suite is a well-acted Neil Simon ensemble; The Turning Point elegantly opens the ballet world with stellar leads; Steel Magnolias boasts a powerhouse female cast but feels TV-toned and overlong. Highlights include sharp dialogue, ensemble handling, and choreography. Maggie Smith won the 1979 Oscar for California Suite.