HWOF

Henry Koster

Source: Freebase

Henry Koster (May 1, 1905 – September 21, 1988) was born Herman Kosterlitz in Berlin, Germany. He became a film director and later moved to Hollywood. Koster was nominated for an Academy Award for The Bishop’s Wife (1947). In 1950 he directed what was his biggest success to date, the James Stewart comedy Harvey. He directed Richard Burton’s first U.S. film, My Cousin Rachel, and then was given the first CinemaScope film to direct, The Robe in 1952. He directed some more costume dramas, including Désirée (1954) with Marlon Brando, The Virgin Queen (1955) with Bette Davis and The Naked Maja (1958) with Ava Gardner then went back to family comedies and musicals, including Flower Drum Song for Universal in 1961. His last picture was The Singing Nun in 1965.

Although Koster never won an Oscar himself, he directed six different actors in Oscar-nominated performances: Cecil Kellaway, Loretta Young, Celeste Holm, Elsa Lanchester, Josephine Hull, James Stewart and Richard Burton. Hull won the Oscar for Harvey.

• Born: Hermann Kosterlitz May 1, 1905 Berlin, Germany
• Died: September 21, 1988 (aged 83) Camarillo, California
• Occupation: director, screenwriter, producer
• Years active: 1925 – 1967
• Spouse: Katherine Kiraly (1934-1941) Peggy Moran (1942-1988)

Read more about Henry Koster at Wikipedia or at the Internet Movie Database