Director Michael Apted has died at the age of 79, his successor has said.
The British filmmaker was best known for the series of documentaries that followed the lives of 14 children from 1964, as well as directing Coal Miner’s Daughter and Gorillas In The Mist.
He directed the 1999 James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, starring Pierce Brosnan.
Apted directed several programs on Coronation Street in the 1960s.
Thomas Schlamme, president of the Association of American Directors (DGA), honored Apted in a statement, saying: “Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the death of a distinguished director, longtime DGA director and my friend Michael Apted.
“His legacy will forever be woven into the clothes of cinema and our Guild.
“As a fearless visionary as a leader and a leader of a unique society, Michael saw the way things were when others did not, and we all benefited from his wisdom and lifelong commitment. ”
Apted, who was president of the DGA from 2003 to 2009, was born in 1941 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, before moving to London with his father after World War II.
As a child, he studied at the City of London School where he first developed an interest in cinema.
In 2008 he was made a partner of the most prestigious Order of St Michael and St George in Honor of the Queen’s Birthday for services to the British film and television industries.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of director Michael Apted. Winner of 4 BAFTAs, including 3 for his acclaimed documentary series “Up”. Michael is pictured here (left) receiving his BAFTA for 28 Up from David Frost in 1985. pic.twitter.com/J8xOllrcdp
– BAFTA (@BAFTA) January 8, 2021
He won four Baftas, including three for Up.
A tweet from the film academy said the group was “deeply saddened to hear of the death of director Michael Apted”.
The producers of the James Bond film franchise praised his ability to move “effortlessly and successfully between the sexes”.
“We share the news of Michael Apted’s death with heavy hearts. He was a leader of great talent and range and unparalleled in his ability to move effortlessly and successfully between all genders. He was loved by all who worked with him. pic.twitter.com/DhazGUiIsp
– James Bond (@ 007) January 8, 2021
A Twitter post signed by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said: “Everyone who worked with him loved him.
“We enjoyed working with him on The World Is Not Enough and extend our love and support to his family, friends and colleagues.”
The official Twitter page of the Oscars also paid homage.
Director Michael Apted will always be remembered for the groundbreaking documentary series “Up”. Formerly president of the Guild of Directors and Governor of the Academy, he also made many acclaimed films, from “Coal Miner’s Daughter” to “The World Is Not Enough.” He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/5vtLfBJgmR
– The Academy (@TheAcademy) January 8, 2021
Director Michael Apted will always be remembered for his groundbreaking documentary series “Up,” the post said.
Formerly president of the Academy’s Association of Directors and Governor, he has also made many acclaimed films, from Coal Miner’s Daughter to The World Is Not Enough. ”He will be missed. ”
ITV’s managing director Kevin Lygo built Apted’s long association with the broadcaster that included the Seven Up series.
“At ITV, we are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Michael Apted,” he said.
“Michael’s illustrious career began and ended with ITV, spanning over six decades, which in itself is truly remarkable.
“What made that society really was special.
“The Up series demonstrated the potential of television at its best in terms of its desire and ability to mirror society and engage with and entertain people for as long as possible. they strengthen our view of the human condition.
“The impact of Michael’s contribution to film and program-making is still being felt and will be missed.”
Actor and director Paul Feig said it was “very sad to hear of the death of Michael Apted”.
“He has always been so kind to me and I really admired his work,” he said.
“We were on the DGA board together for a year or two and I was always looking forward to sitting next to him. RIP Michael. ”
Screenwriter John Fusco, who worked with Apted on the film Thunderheart, tweeted: “I am saddened to learn of the death of brilliant film director Michael Apted.
“Leading ‘Thunderheart’ was the only director who ever captured one of my screens as expected. Excelsior, Mate. ”
A post on the Twitter account of the band Garbage, who played the theme for The World Is Not Enough, called Apted as a “pleasant, charming soul”.
“Thank you for sending us some of the stardust,” the postman said.
Songwriter David G Arnold, who collaborated with Apted on three other films including The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader, added: “I was lucky enough to go to the rodeo with Michael on 4 films including “Bond” and “Narnia”. A more trustworthy, funny, friendly and, most importantly, kind person you would never meet. I’m so glad I knew him and so sorry he went. ”