Andy Sidaris

Andy Sidaris (1931-2007) was an American director, producer, and screenwriter who made a name for himself in the ‘60s and ‘70s with his action-packed films. He was born in San Francisco, California, and developed an early interest in film.

As a young man, Sidaris attended San Francisco State University, where he studied film and television production. He then went on to work at ABC, producing sports programs such as ABC’s Wide World of Sports. He also wrote the script for the original Hawaii Five-0 and produced and directed episodes of the show.

In the late ‘60s, Sidaris moved into feature filmmaking, directing the cult classic The Seven Magnificent Gladiators. He went on to write and direct a number of action-packed films including Stacey, The Player, Hard Ticket to Hawaii, and Malibu Express.

Sidaris’ films were known for their over-the-top action sequences, typically involving car chases, shoot-outs, and explosions. He also developed a style of casting that mixed seasoned actors, such as Dona Speir and Erik Estrada, with Playboy Playmates and Penthouse Pets. This formula proved popular with audiences and helped make Sidaris a cult favorite.

In addition to his feature films, Sidaris also wrote and directed a number of low-budget action films for the cable market. He also wrote and directed several documentaries, including the award-winning Underwater World of the Pacific.

Sidaris was an avid supporter of independent film, and he was a member of the Directors Guild of America. He was also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Sidaris passed away in 2007, but his films have continued to gain popularity with modern audiences. He will be remembered for his pioneering work in low-budget action films and his unique style of filmmaking.