Ula Grosbard

Ula Grosbard (January 28, 1929 – October 16, 2012) was a Ukrainian-American theater and film director whose career spanned several decades of innovative theatrical work. He founded the Lincoln Center Theater and later became its associate director, where he directed and developed numerous acclaimed stage productions. Grosbard was known for his meticulous directorial approach and his ability to draw powerful performances from actors. In film, he directed several notable works including 'Straight Time' (1978) with Dustin Hoffman and 'Georgia' (1995) with Jennifer Jason Leigh and Mare Winningham. Beyond his directorial achievements, Grosbard was a respected acting coach and mentor who influenced many prominent performers. His work in both theater and cinema was characterized by psychological depth and emotional authenticity. Grosbard's legacy in American theater includes his contributions to developing the regional theater movement and his commitment to bringing challenging, character-driven narratives to both stage and screen.