'Rocky' director John G. Avildsen dies aged 81

John G. Avildsen, the Oscar-winning director of Rocky, has died aged 81.

Mr Avildsen’s son, Anthony confirmed his father’s death from pancreatic cancer to the Los Angeles Times today.

The 81-year-old won the Academy Award for best director, best picture and best editing for Rocky in 1977.

The boxing film starred Sylvester Stallone told the fictional story of Rocky Balboa’s rise from small-time fighter to world heavyweight competitor.

The Director’s Guild released a statement honouring Avildsen’s impact on the industry.

“His iconic ‘Rocky,’ which won the DGA Feature Film Award in 1976, has been lionized throughout our culture as the quintessential underdog story – a recurring theme in his notable body of work which included ‘Save the Tiger’ and ‘The Karate Kid’ franchise. Throughout the decades, his rousing portrayals of victory, courage and emotion captured the hearts of generations of Americans,” the statement said.

Made for just $1.3 million, Rocky went on to become the highest-grossing film in 1976.

Mr Avildsen was also the director behind the original three The Karate Kid films, the first of which made $120 million in box office sales and garnered widespread critical acclaim.

He also returned to the Rocky Balboa franchise to take on Rocky V in 1990.

He is survived by three sons Anthony, Jonathan and Ashley and a daughter, Bridget.