Showbiz
Acclaimed British director Robert Altman has died at the age of 81.
The filmmaker, who produced hits including MASH, Gosford Park, Nashville and The Player, died in a hospital bed in Los Angeles on Monday. His production company announced the news today.
Altman had built a reputation in Hollywood as a maverick who was not afraid to experiment, and did not win an Oscar, despite five-time best director nominations, until this year. He was given an honorary Academy Award for his consistent and ongoing inventive work.
Actor Kevin Spacey, director of the Old Vic Theatre in London, worked with Altman on one of his final projects - a stage production of Arthur Miller's Resurrection Blues. He told BBC News: "Robert Altman was a truly unique director and an extraordinary man.
"We are all saddened by this news and send our condolences to his wife Kathryn and family."
Julian Fellowes, the actor and author who wrote the screenplay for Gosford Park, also paid tribute. He said: "He was a giant of the industry who kept the energy of a youthful rebel until his 81st year."
The filmmaker, who produced hits including MASH, Gosford Park, Nashville and The Player, died in a hospital bed in Los Angeles on Monday. His production company announced the news today.
Altman had built a reputation in Hollywood as a maverick who was not afraid to experiment, and did not win an Oscar, despite five-time best director nominations, until this year. He was given an honorary Academy Award for his consistent and ongoing inventive work.
Actor Kevin Spacey, director of the Old Vic Theatre in London, worked with Altman on one of his final projects - a stage production of Arthur Miller's Resurrection Blues. He told BBC News: "Robert Altman was a truly unique director and an extraordinary man.
"We are all saddened by this news and send our condolences to his wife Kathryn and family."
Julian Fellowes, the actor and author who wrote the screenplay for Gosford Park, also paid tribute. He said: "He was a giant of the industry who kept the energy of a youthful rebel until his 81st year."
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