Ted Kotcheff
Biography
Ted Kotcheff, also known as William Kotcheff or William T. Kotcheff, was a Canadian film and television director and producer of Bulgarian descent. Born William Theodore Kotcheff on April 7, 1931, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he became well known for his work on several high-profile British television productions and as a director of films such as First Blood, which featured Sylvester Stallone in the lead role. His career included 69 known credits in directing. He was a guest of honor at the 1983 Brussels Film Festival, where he promoted First Blood. Ted Kotcheff passed away on April 10, 2025, at the age of 94 in Nuevo Nayarit.
Career overview
Ted Kotcheff, also known as William Kotcheff or William T. Kotcheff, was a Canadian film and television director and producer of Bulgarian descent. Born William Theodore Kotcheff on April 7, 1931, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, his known credits in the industry total 69. Throughout his career, he became well known for his work on several high-profile British television productions as well as his work as a film director.
Among his directorial works in film, he is recognized for directing First Blood, which starred Sylvester Stallone in the lead role. In connection with this film, he was a guest of honor at the 1983 Brussels Film Festival, where he actively promoted the project. Over his decades-long career, Kotcheff established a notable presence across both television and cinema.
Kotcheff passed away on April 10, 2025, at the age of 94. His professional legacy spans numerous credits in directing, cementing his status as a prominent figure in Canadian, British, and international film and television production.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Ted Kotcheff.
Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
76 titles- SEGAL (2025) as Self
- Looking to Get Out: A Comparative Analysis of the Ted Kotcheff Vision (2022) as Himself
- The Planters (2019) as Cliff Man / Last 'Hello' Man (voice)
- Erase and Forget (2017) as Himself
- Soul of an Artist (2017) as Self
- Soul of an Artist (2017) Director
- Fearless (2014) Director
- Ted Kotcheff's Gourmet Cinema (2011) as Self
- Barney's Version (2010) as Train Conductor
- Not Quite Hollywood (2008) as Self
- Shattered Glass (2003) as Marty Peretz
- Guts and Glory (2002) as Self
- Drawing First Blood: 20 Years Later (2002)
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) Director
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) Co-Executive Producer
- Crime in Connecticut: The Story of Alex Kelly (1999) Director
- Borrowed Hearts (1997) Director
- A Husband, a Wife and a Lover (1996) Director
- Family of Cops (1995) Director
- The Shooter (1995) Director
- Red Shoe Diaries 5: Weekend Pass (1995) Director
- Love on the Run (1994) Director
- Red Shoe Diaries 3: Another Woman's Lipstick (1993) Director
- Red Shoe Diaries (1992) Director
- Folks! (1992) Director
- Weekend at Bernie's (1989) as Jack Parker
- Weekend at Bernie's (1989) Director
- Winter People (1989) Director
- Switching Channels (1988) Director
- Casualty (1986) Director
- Joshua Then and Now (1985) Director
- Uncommon Valor (1983) Director
- Uncommon Valor (1983) Executive Producer
- First Blood (1982) Director
- Split Image (1982) Producer
- Split Image (1982) Director
- North Dallas Forty (1979) Director
- North Dallas Forty (1979) Screenplay
- Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? (1978) Director
- Fun with Dick and Jane (1977) Director
- Billy Two Hats (1974) Director
- The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974) Director
- Rx for the Defense (1973) Director
- Who's Afraid of Opera? (1972) Director
- Ackerman, Dougall & Harker (1972) Director
- Lights Out (1972) Director
- Wake in Fright (1971) Director
- Wake in Fright (1971) Screenplay
- Edna: The Inebriate Woman (1971) Director
- Play for Today (1970) Director
- ITV Saturday Night Theatre (1969) Director
- Two Gentlemen Sharing (1969) Director
- Of Mice and Men (1968) Director
- ITV Playhouse (1967) Director
- The Desperate Hours (1967) Director
- ABC Stage 67 (1966) Director
- The Human Voice (1966) Director
- Life at the Top (1965) Director
- The Trial of Dr. Fancy (1964) Director
- Espionage (1963) Director
- Into the Dark (1963) Director
- Tiara Tahiti (1962) Director
- The Hard Knock (1962) Director
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
- Drama 61-67 (1961) Director
- I'll Have You to Remember (1960) Director
- Where I Live (1960) Director
- Lena, O My Lena (1960) Director
- After the Funeral (1960) Director
- Hot Summer Night (1959) Director
- After the Show (1959) Director
- The Bird, the Bear and the Actress (1959) Director
- Emperor Jones (1958) Director
- The Greatest Man in the World (1958) Director
- Armchair Theatre (1956) Director
- The Making of 'First Blood'
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Ted Kotcheff best known for?
Ted Kotcheff is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Barney's Version (2010), Shattered Glass (2003), David (1997), David (1997).
When and where was Ted Kotcheff born?
Ted Kotcheff was born on April 7, 1931 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They passed away on April 10, 2025.
How many credits does Ted Kotcheff have?
Ted Kotcheff has accumulated over 76 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 2025.
What is Ted Kotcheff's background in cinema and television?
Ted Kotcheff, also known as William Kotcheff or William T. Kotcheff, was a Canadian film and television director and producer of Bulgarian descent. Born William Theodore Kotcheff on April 7, 1931, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he became well known for his work on several high-profile British television productions and a...
Ted Kotcheff by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Barney's Version (2010) as Train Conductor — aged about 79
- Shattered Glass (2003) as Marty Peretz — aged about 72
- Weekend at Bernie's (1989) as Jack Parker — aged about 58
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self — aged about 30
What viewers say
No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on Ted Kotcheff.