Michael Ritchie (filmmaker)

Michael Ritchie
Born
Michael Brunswick Ritchie

(1938-11-28)November 28, 1938
Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States
DiedApril 16, 2001(2001-04-16) (aged 62)
Manhattan, New York, United States
OccupationFilm director
Notable workDownhill Racer
The Candidate
The Bad News Bears
Fletch
Fletch Lives
The Scout
SpouseJimmie B. Ritchie
Children5

Michael Brunswick Ritchie (November 28, 1938 – April 16, 2001) was an American film director, producer, and writer of films with comical or satirical leanings, such as The Candidate (1972) and Smile (1975). He scored commercial successes directing sports films like Downhill Racer (1969) and The Bad News Bears (1976), and comedies like Chevy Chase's Fletch (1985) and Eddie Murphy's The Golden Child (1986).