Irvin Kershner, Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back Director, in Exclusive 2010 U.S. Appearance at Anaheim Comic Con

Joins Billy Dee Williams in discussing 30th Anniversary of Iconic Film

NEW YORK and ANAHEIM, Calif., March 11, 2010 – Irvin Kershner, who directed Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back and more than 20 other movies and television episodes in a career that spanned five decades, will help mark the 30th anniversary of the second film in the famed sci-fi series with an in-depth, rare discussion with fans at Anaheim Comic Con on Saturday, April 17.

This exclusive appearance, FREE to all attendees of the convention, will be the 86-year-old Kershner's only public appearance in the U.S. in 2010. He will be joined on stage by Billy Dee Williams, who portrayed Lando Calrissian in both The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983).

Both will also be signing autographs during Anaheim Comic Con in the main celebrity autograph area.

"Thirty years ago, I had the privilege to direct one of the most influential movies in cinematic history, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. To be commemorating this classic film so many years later is an honor," said Kershner. "I promise a real treat for the fans at Anaheim Comic Con, as we have a chance to discuss the film and its impact, along with my longtime friend Billy Dee Williams."

Born in 1923, Kershner studied art and photography and prepared documentaries on both topics in the 1950, before making his first feature film directorial debut in 1958 with Stakeout on Dope Street. Before taking on the monumental task of the Star Wars sequel in 1980, he had success with comedies like "A Fine Madness" (1966) and romantic dramas such as "Loving" (1970), horror flicks like "The Eyes of Laura Mars" (1978) and historical adventures such as “The Return of a Man Called Horse” (1976). He later reunited with Sean Connery, whom he had directed in A Fine Madness in 1966, in the James Bond film Never Say Never Again in 1983. After directing another sci-fi sequel, Robocop 2, in 1990, Kershner turned back to television, directing the pilot episode of the NBC action-adventure series "seaQuest DSV" before retiring from the director's chair in 1994.

Anaheim Comic Con, set for April 16-18, brings together fans of comics, toys, collectibles and offers a chance to see actors, writers, artists and the best each industry has to offer.

For more Anaheim Comic Con guest and programming updates, check out our fan page ANAHEIM COMIC CON on Facebook.

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About Gareb Shamus:
Gareb Shamus founded Wizard Entertainment in 1991. Today, Shamus publishes consumer magazines Wizard, ToyFare, FunFare and numerous books about pop-culture’s top talent, comic books and toys. Shamus also produces a North American Comic Con tour.


Wizard World Comic Con Tour:
March 26-28, 2010, Toronto Comic Con, Direct Energy Centre
April 16-18, 2010, Anaheim Comic Con, Anaheim Convention Center
June 11-13, 2010, Philadelphia Comic Con, Pennsylvania Convention Center
August 19-22, 2010, Chicago Comic Con, Donald E. Stephens (Rosemont) Convention Center
October 1-3, 2010, New England Comic Con, John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center
October 7-10, 2010, Big Apple Comic Con, Pier 94
October 15-17, 2010, New Jersey Comic Con, New Jersey Convention and Expo Center
November 12-14, 2010, Austin Comic Con, Austin Convention Center
December 3-5, 2010, Atlanta Comic Con, Cobb Galleria Centre
Cincinnati Comic Con, TBD
Cleveland Comic Con, TBD
Nashville Comic Con, TBD