His son Sacha Szwarc, a film editor, confirmed the news in an Instagram post Friday, writing, "We are all shocked and devastated by his sudden departure. He was truly one of a kind, a humorous and joyful man. A talented director, a generous friend, a loving husband and father. We loved him very much and will miss him greatly, but he will always be with us in our hearts."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jeannot Szwarc was born in Paris on Nov. 21, 1937, and got his master's from Harvard before venturing into commercial and documentary projects. His work in Hollywood began in earnest on the television side, with his first such credits coming as a writer, producer, and eventually director of a few episodes of Ironside in the late '60s.

The latter film was a 1980 romance starring Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve. Seymour paid tribute to her late director on social media Thursday, writing, "Today, we say goodbye to a true visionary. Jeannot Szwarc was not just a brilliant director but a kind and generous soul. He gifted us many timeless stories, including Somewhere in Time, a film that changed my life forever. May his memory be a blessing, and may his artistry live on in our hearts."

In his later years, Szwarc continued to work in television, directing episodes of JAG, Scandal, Bones, Castle, Ally McBeal, Smallville, Supernatural, and Grey's Anatomy.

Per THR, he is survived by his wife, Cara Szwarc, and sons Sacha and Stefan Szwarc.