That was how George Clooney described him today, after learning of Pollack’s death yesterday at 73, from cancer. Everything Sydney Pollack did had intelligence and taste. And he was a terrific actor, as well as a gifted director. For my money, you won’t find a funnier farce than “Tootsie,” which Pollack directed and in which he played a small role as Dustin Hoffman’s agent.

Below, a classic clip with Pollack and what’s-his-name.