Author: simon
Anthony Minghella Dies: Sad news: UPDATED
Tuesday, 18th March, 2008 at 1:06 pm, Isle of Wight
Newsflash - The news-wires are just reporting that Anthony Minghella has died at the age of 54 (update: of a brain haemorrhage).
A great loss to the Island - and clearly far, far too young to go.
He’s well-known globally as an Oscar-winning screenwriter and director, as well as locally for his extensive, strong and consistent support for the Isle of Wight.
Lord Puttnam has just been quoted on BBC radio news that Anthony Minghella was “a beautiful man,” “lots of fun,” “thoughtful and intelligent” - a clear pointer to how well regarded he was in the industry.
His best known works are Truly Madly Deeply, The English Patient and The Talented Mr. Ripley. The English Patient winning him Best Director Oscar, within another eight for the film including best picture.
His most recent work, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, written with Richard Curtis, shot in Botswana, premiered on Friday at the British Film Institute (BFI) in London just last week. Two other projects were understood to be underway for him - “New York, I Love You” currently filming and “The Ninth Life of Louis Drax,”
The BBC has a quote showing a lot of insight by him when he took the role of chairman of the British Film Institute (BFI) in 2003, he told the BBC: “We’re not good at lassoing the talent we have here and containing it within the British Isles, and we should all be working to address that.”
2pm UPDATE : Not only is it now top story on the BBC Radio 4 news, but to give some idea of how important this news is globally, you’ll see that it’s already global - The International Herald Tribune; Sydney; Associated Press; and Reuters.
(Thanks for alerting us to this Craig)
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March 18th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
What did he die from/of?
March 18th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Yes…the BBC just announced about 30 mins ago…..Shocking news..Only 54!
March 18th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Death is never welcome, but to be taken so young is horrible.
I’ll always have great memories of what he’s done for the Island.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
@Michael - sorry, we have no further details currently.
If anyone finds out further information, please get in touch, so we can let everyone know.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
I only met him once - he was a lovely open person.
Such a loss for the Island.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Often the brightest lights shine all too briefly.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
“Oscar-winning British film director suffered a brain haemorrhage and died today, his agent said”
ex BBC
Very very sad! Thanks for all you did for our Island.
March 18th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
@Brian - thanks for the update. Will update the piece.
March 18th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
[…] Tuesday, 18th March, 2008 (1 hour ago) at 4:21 pm (1 hour ago), Isle of Wight ISLE of Wight Council is opening a book of condolence at County Hall today (Tuesday, 18 March) following the sad death of film director Anthony Minghella. […]
March 18th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
god bless anthony , the spirit world will be brighter this evening , your next journey could be even better god bless.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
A great ambassador to the Island, he will be sadly missed.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Anthony will be sadly missed - my thoughts are with his family and friends.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Stunned to hear about this. So sad and such a great loss.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Top Man. RIP
March 19th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Thoughts go out to the family and friends.
March 19th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Anthony Minghella has been a true inspiration for young people, such as myself, who aspire towards similar careers. He served as a great example of what people from the Island can achieve and I’m sure that this has given faith to many with creative ambitions.
His widely respected figure was clearly shown today by dominating the front page of The Times.
I’m sure he will be widely missed.
March 20th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
[…] has been a massive week for news on the Island; the sad loss of Anthony Minghella, the controversial School Reforms vote last night and now the Chief Exec […]