Wish You Were Here – Director Was 82 – The Hollywood Reporter

David Leland

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David Hugh Leyland, a veteran British theatre, film and television writer and director, best known for his first film I wish you were here, He died. He was 82 years old.

Leland’s death was announced on Christmas Eve by his longtime publicist, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates. Born on 20 April 1941, Leland initially trained as an actor in the Central School of Speech and Drama and had several theater credits before moving on to directing at the Crucible Theatre.

Leland has worked with British talent such as Michael Palin and Terry Jones and directed the world premiere of the film Their finest hours. Pierce Brosnan got his first chance to act on stage in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams. Red devil battery sign In The Round House which Leland directed.

“David Leland holds a great place in my heart. He gave me an opportunity as an actor in Tennessee Williams’ play The Red Devil Battery Sign. I had just come out of the Drama Center where David was also an alumnus of the center. It was a pleasure to play McCabe in my young life. , where I work with David and Tennessee. “David will forever be an essential part of my story and of everyone who knew and loved him,” Brosnan said in a statement.

Leland Vellemin wrote about British suburban woman Cynthia Payne – Personal services (1987) Directed by Terry Jones and starring Julie Walters I wish you were here (1987), which marked his directorial debut and starred Emily Lloyd.

His later films as a director include the big manStarring Liam Neeson and Girls of the EarthStarring Rachel Weisz and which Leland also co-wrote. On the television front, Leland directed the episode “Bastogne” for the HBO miniseries Band of brothers He worked as a writer and director on Showtime And Borgia, Starring Jeremy Irons.

Fellow Britain’s Got Talent paid tribute to Leyland following news of his death. “David was there at the beginning of this crazy adventure. He changed my life, and I love him for that. I will always keep him with me,” Tim Roth said in a statement.

With his own praise, Liam Neeson said: “Working with David was a dream. He was a true collaborator. He truly loved and admired the actors. We formed a close bond. I loved his mischievous sense of humour. You are always in my heart, my old friend. See you at the end of the road.” “

Leland is survived by his wife, Sabrina, his four daughters, his son, and his six grandchildren. He is repped as writer and director by Casarotto Ramsay & Associates.