Richard C. Sarafian

Richard C. Sarafian was an American film and television director known for his distinctive style and contributions to cult cinema. Born on April 28, 1930, in New York City, he directed numerous television episodes in the 1960s before making his mark in film. His most famous work is the 1971 road movie "Vanishing Point," a high-energy existential action film that became a cult classic.

Sarafian also directed films like "Run Wild, Run Free" (1969), "The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing" (1973), and "Sunburn" (1979). His career included work as a writer and actor, with appearances in films such as "Bugsy" (1991) and "The Patriot" (1998). His style often blended realism with a dreamlike quality, making his films stand out.

He was married to Helen Joan Altman, the sister of director Robert Altman, and their son, Deran Sarafian, also became a filmmaker. Sarafian passed away on September 18, 2013, at the age of 83.