Prior to Empire Kershner had been directing movies on and off since 1958's Stakeout on Dope Street, a movie about three teens getting caught up in a drug ring.
After Empire Kershner went on to direct the James Bond film Never Say Never Again, Robocop 2, and the cult classic science fiction television show SeaQuest DSV.
Kershner passed away in his Los Angeles home after a long battle with illness.
May the Force be with you always.
[Source: Kotaku]