BAFTA-winning British actor and director David Leland has died at the age of 82.
The beloved actor was known for his decorated five-decade career where he wrote and directed beloved films such as Personal Services and Wish You Were Here. It is understood the star tragically passed away on Christmas Eve surrounded by his family.
Shortly after the news of his passing hit the headlines, many Hollywood actors shared their tributes online. Leading the way was James Bond star Pierce Brosnan, who was given his first role in a stage performance by David.
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The dad-of-five, who also directed an Emmy-wining episode of Band of Brothers, gave the Hollywood legend the leading role in a Tennessee Williams’ play, The Red Devil Battery Sign. Taking to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “David Leland holds a mighty place in my heart.
(Image: Getty)
“I was just out of Drama Centre where David was also an alumni. It was the thrill of my young lifetime to be cast as McCabe, working with David and Tennessee.
“David will forever be an essential part of my story and of all who knew and loved him.” Tim Rother, who starred in Made in Britain, said: “David was there at the beginning of this crazy adventure.
“He changed my life, and I love him for it. I’ll keep him with me always.” Liam Neeson echoed: “David was a dream to work with. He was a real collaborator; he genuinely loved and admired actors.
(Image: Getty Images)
“We formed a close bond. I loved his mischievous sense of humour. You are always in my heart old friend. See you down the road.”
Meanwhile, pal Terry Gilliam added: “The loss of David is very sad. As a friend, and as a writer/director, he was always solidly grounded… invariably sensitive and ruthlessly honest.
“His 1987 film, Wish You Were Here, is still one of my all-time favourite Britsh films.” The legend originally trained as an actor at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
He then went on to co-form the Drama Centre London before he moved to the Crucible Theatre for stage management. David worked with some of the biggest names in showbizness throughout his career.
(Image: Getty Images)
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This included Monty Python stars Michael Palin and Terry Jones and even directed Victoria Wood’s first breakout play, Talent. He went on to become a screenwriter for film and TV where he worked on Oscar-nominated Neil Jordan film Mona Lisa in 1986 and Made in Britain.
It didn’t take long before his career as a writer and a director took off, as he went on to direct the Liam Neeson film The Big Man and the 1998 blockbuster Land Girls which starred Rachel Weisz and Anna Friel.
His impressive career saw him form a strong friendship with George Harrison. He worked as a director on the Beatles’ film Checking Out and Concert For George which was released after the guitarist’s passing.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
