Hollywood lost its second celebrated figure in two days as it emerged on Monday [29] that The Empire Strikes Back director Irvin Kershner had died.

Kershner succumbed to an illness at his home in Paris and was 87. His credits include Never Say Never Again and Robocop 2.

On Sunday the comedy actor Leslie Nielsen died aged 84 following complications from pneumonia. His credits include send-ups like Airplane! and the NakedGun series.

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