Ted Kotcheff, the acclaimed director who introduced moviegoers to Sylvester Stallone’s traumatised Vietnam War veteran John Rambo in First Blood has died at the age of 94 his family confirmed to The Globe and Mail, a publication in his native Canada. First Blood, released in 1982, spawned the Rambo movie franchise which now boasts five movies. But Kotcheff moved on to lighter fare helming many comedies including the iconic and much pariodied Weekend at Bernie’s in 1989. He did double duties on that movie also playing the rold of Jonathan Silverman's character Richard's dad.

Devastated fans took to social media to share their sadness at his death. "'Weekend at Rambo's' would've made a great mash-up. RIP," one quipped. "RIP Ted Kotcheff. You wouldn't expect a subgenre to produce one of its stone classics 10+ years in on a film fad. But that's exactly what director Kotcheff did with FIRST BLOOD," another penned.

"Weekend at Bernie's and First Blood, despite their importance to popular culture, are films that many people frown upon. And they are excellent films, each in their own genre," a third chimed in.

A fourth shared a news report of his death and wrote: "Just rewatched FIRST BLOOD for the umpteenth time this week. Ted Kotcheff, thank you for directing one of the most influential action films ever made."

"RIP Ted Kotcheff. WAKE IN FRIGHT is one of the most uncomfortable film-watching experiences I've had, and that has nothing to do with the justly infamous kangaroo hunt scene, because strictly speaking you couldn't say I watched that part," a fifth recalled.

A sixth commented: "RIP the great Ted Kotcheff thank you for all the greatness, sir - godspeed..."

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