Filmmaker Herbert Ross (1927-2001) made his operatic debut with the 1993 LA Opera production premiere of La Bohème. His films collectively garnered 44 Academy Award nominations, including one for Mr. Ross for directing The Turning Point. He directed such diverse films as The Goodbye Girl, Footloose and Pennies from Heaven. Other credits include Steel Magnolias, Goodbye Mr. Chips, Funny Lady and Play It Again, Sam.