Jonathan Kaplan
- Known For
- Directing
- Born
- November 25, 1947 in Paris, France
- Died
- August 1, 2025
- Active Years
- 1970–2014 (45 Years)
- Total Credits
- 54 credits in database
Biography
Jonathan Kaplan (November 25 1947 – August 1 2025) was an American film producer and director. He was born in Paris, France, the son of film composer Sol Kaplan and actress Frances Heflin, and the nephew of actor Van Heflin; his sisters were actresses Nora Heflin and Mady Kaplan. Kaplan’s directing credits include the feature films Pohotovost, Over the Edge and Firma, as well as the 1988 courtroom drama The Accused, which earned Jodie Foster an Academy Award for Best Actress and was nominated for the Golden Bear at the 39th Berlin International Film Festival. He directed Rod Stewart’s 1984 music video “Infatuation” and received five Emmy nominations for his work on the television series ER.
Career overview
Jonathan Kaplan was born on 25 November 1947 in Paris, France, the son of film composer Sol Kaplan and actress Frances Heflin, and the nephew of actor Van Heflin. He entered the film industry as a director, building a career that spanned feature films, television, and music videos. Early in his directing work he helmed the 1984 music video for Rod Stewart’s song “Infatuation.” Kaplan’s feature‑film output includes titles such as Pohotovost, Over the Edge and Firma, which established his reputation for handling diverse material.
Kaplan’s most celebrated film is the 1988 drama The Accused. The picture earned Jodie Foster her first Academy Award for Best Actress and was entered in competition for the Golden Bear at the 39th Berlin International Film Festival. In television, Kaplan contributed significantly to the long‑running series ER, where his directing and producing efforts garnered five Emmy Award nominations. He continued to work in both mediums until his death on 1 August 2025 at the age of 77. Throughout his career Kaplan was recognized for his ability to move between cinematic storytelling, episodic television, and short‑form music‑video direction, leaving a varied legacy in American film and television directing.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
54 titles- That Guy Dick Miller (2014) as Self
- That Guy Dick Miller (2014) Executive Producer
- Witches of East End (2013) Director
- Witches of East End (2013) Executive Producer
- The Client List (2012) Director
- A Gifted Man (2011) Director
- Corman's World (2011) as Self - Filmmaker (archive footage)
- American Grindhouse (2011) as Himself
- Machete Maidens Unleashed! (2010) as Self
- Brothers and Sisters (2006) Director
- Without a Trace (2002) Director
- The Court (2002) Director
- Crossing Jordan (2001) Director
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) Director
- Brokedown Palace (1999) Director
- In Cold Blood (1996) Director
- Picture Windows (1995) Director
- Picture Windows: Language of the Heart (1995) Director
- ER (1994) Director
- ER (1994) Co-Executive Producer
- ER (1994) Producer
- ER (1994) Consulting Producer
- Rebel Highway (1994) Director
- Bad Girls (1994) Director
- Reform School Girl (1994) Director
- Fallen Angels (1993) Director
- The Firm (1993) as Lawyer Recruiter
- Unlawful Entry (1992) Director
- Love Field (1992) Director
- Immediate Family (1989) Director
- Roller Blade Warriors: Taken by Force (1989) Producer
- The Accused (1988) Director
- Project X (1987) Director
- 11th Victim (1984) Director
- Girls of the White Orchid (1983) Director
- Heart Like a Wheel (1983) Director
- The Howling (1981) as Gas Station Attendant (uncredited)
- The Gentleman Bandit (1981) Director
- The Hustler of Muscle Beach (1980) Director
- Over the Edge (1979) Director
- Roger Corman: Hollywood's Wild Angel (1978) as Self
- Mr. Billion (1977) Writer
- Mr. Billion (1977) Director
- Cannonball (1976) as All-Night Gas Station Attendant
- Hollywood Boulevard (1976) as Scotty
- White Line Fever (1975) Director
- White Line Fever (1975) Writer
- Truck Turner (1974) as Cook (uncredited)
- Truck Turner (1974) Director
- The Student Teachers (1973) Director
- The Slams (1973) as Portable Toilet Delivery Man (uncredited)
- The Slams (1973) Director
- Night Call Nurses (1972) Director
- Street Scenes 1970 (1970) Production Office Coordinator
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Jonathan Kaplan best known for?
Jonathan Kaplan is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Witches of East End (2013), Witches of East End (2013), The Witches (1966), Challenge of the Tiger (1980).
When and where was Jonathan Kaplan born?
Jonathan Kaplan was born on November 25, 1947 in Paris, France. They passed away on August 1, 2025.
How many credits does Jonathan Kaplan have?
Jonathan Kaplan has accumulated over 54 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1970 to 2014.
What is Jonathan Kaplan's background in cinema and television?
Jonathan Kaplan (November 25 1947 – August 1 2025) was an American film producer and director. He was born in Paris, France, the son of film composer Sol Kaplan and actress Frances Heflin, and the nephew of actor Van Heflin; his sisters were actresses Nora Heflin and Mady Kaplan. Kaplan’s directing credits include the ...
Jonathan Kaplan by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Firm (1993) as Lawyer Recruiter — aged about 45
- The Howling (1981) as Gas Station Attendant (uncredited) — aged about 33
- Truck Turner (1974) as Cook (uncredited) — aged about 26
- Cannonball (1976) as All-Night Gas Station Attendant — aged about 28
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