Bert Kish was a talented and acclaimed Canadian film director and editor, best known for his work on the American crime drama series Longmire. He was also the son of Albert Kish, a renowned Hungarian-Canadian filmmaker who directed several award-winning documentaries and films. Sadly, both father and son succumbed to cancer within two years of each other. Here is a brief biography of Bert Kish and the details of his tragic death.
Contents
- 1 Early Life and Career
- 2 Longmire and Legacy
- 3 Personal Life and Family
- 4 Death and Tributes
Early Life and Career
Bert Kish was born on September 15, 1965, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He grew up in a family of filmmakers, as his father Albert Kish was a prominent director and editor who worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and the National Film Board of Canada. Bert followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in the film industry. He attended Westmount High School and McGill University, where he graduated with a degree in English Literature.
Bert moved to Los Angeles with his brother Colin, who is also a filmmaker, and started working as an editor and director for various projects. He gained international recognition for his skills and creativity, and won several awards, such as the Silver Hugo Award, the Gold Apple Award, and the Robert Flaherty Award. Some of his notable works include Cypher (2002), Once a Thief (1996), Power Play (1998), The Bridge (2013), The Legacy (2014), and 12 Monkeys (2015).
Longmire and Legacy
Bert Kish is perhaps best remembered for his work on Longmire, a modern Western crime drama series based on the novels by Craig Johnson. The series follows the life of Walt Longmire, a sheriff in Wyoming who solves crimes with the help of his deputies and friends. Bert served as an editor and director for the series from 2012 to 2017, and was praised for his ability to capture the essence and atmosphere of the show. He directed 11 episodes and edited 23 episodes of Longmire, making him one of the most influential contributors to the series.
Bert also left a lasting impression on another crime drama series, The Legacy. The series is a Danish production that revolves around the lives of four siblings who inherit a large estate from their estranged mother. Bert directed two episodes of the third and final season of The Legacy, which aired in 2017. He was admired for his vision and style, as well as his collaboration with the cast and crew.
Personal Life and Family
Bert Kish was married to Vanessa Trachewsky, a producer and writer who worked with him on several projects. The couple had one son, Aris, who was 11 years old when Bert passed away. Bert was very close to his family and friends, and enjoyed spending time with them. He was also passionate about music, art, literature, and sports.
Bert had a strong bond with his father Albert, who was his mentor and inspiration. Albert Kish was born on May 14, 1937, in Budapest, Hungary. He immigrated to Canada in 1957 with nothing but a book on film culture and his dreams. He became a successful filmmaker who directed documentaries and films such as Bighorn (1965), Family House (1970), Summer of ’67 (1971), Louisburg (1974), and many more. He was also a teacher and a writer who published several books on film history and theory.
Death and Tributes
Bert Kish passed away on May 24, 2017, at the age of 51. He had been battling cancer for some time, but kept his condition private. His death came as a shock to many people who knew him and admired him. His family released a statement that read:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Bert Kish after a courageous battle with cancer. Bert was an amazing husband, father, brother, son, friend, colleague, mentor, artist, storyteller, adventurer…the list goes on. He touched so many lives with his kindness, generosity, humor, passion, talent, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Many tributes poured in from fans and celebrities who worked with Bert or were influenced by him. Some of them include:
- Craig Johnson: “I’m so sorry to hear about Bert’s passing; he was one of my favorite directors on Longmire…He always brought something special to every episode he directed.”
- Lou Diamond Phillips: “Heartbroken at the loss of our friend & colleague Bert Kish. A brilliant director & editor who made Longmire better.”
- Victoria Pratt: “Devastated by the loss of my friend & colleague Bert Kish. A brilliant director, editor, storyteller & human being. RIP Bert. You are missed.”
- Robert Taylor: “Bert Kish was a great director and a lovely man. He will be sorely missed by all of us on Longmire.”
- Bailey Chase: “Bert Kish was one of the best directors I ever worked with. He had such a great eye and a wonderful sense of humor. He was a joy to be around.”
- Katee Sackhoff: “Bert Kish was a beautiful soul and a talented director. He made me laugh and cry on set. He was a gift to Longmire and to the world.”
Bert Kish’s legacy lives on through his family, his friends, and his work. He was a remarkable person who made a positive impact on the film industry and the society. He will always be remembered as a master of his craft and a lover of life.
