Hugh Hudson, the acclaimed British director of the 1981 Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire, has died at the age of 86.
Hudson’s family announced his death on Thursday, saying he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Hudson, who was born in London in 1934, was best known for Chariots of Fire, the story of two British athletes competing in the 1924 Olympics. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was nominated for seven more.
Hudson also directed Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984), Revolution (1985) and My Life So Far (1999). He was also an executive producer on the acclaimed 2002 film The Quiet American.
In addition to his directing work, Hudson was an accomplished writer and producer. He wrote and produced the 1984 drama Revolution and wrote the screenplay for the 1975 film The Raging Moon.
Hudson was also a founding member of the British Film Institute and served as the chairman of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts from 1994 to 1997.
Hudson is survived by his wife, actress and director Mary Steenburgen, and his four children. He will be remembered fondly by fans of his films and by the film industry for his lifetime of work.
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