Chariots of Fire director Hugh Hudson has died in hospital at the age of 86 after a short illness, his family have confirmed
- Hugh died at Charing Cross Hospital on 10 February 2023 after a short illness
- The director is best known for his Oscar-winning film Chariots Of Fire
- He is survived by his wife Maryam, son Thomas, and first wife Sue
Hugh Hudson, best known for the Oscar-winning film Chariots Of Fire, has died at the age of 86, his family said in a statement.
The filmmaker behind the 1981 drama about two British runners in the 1920s died in hospital in London on Friday after a short illness.
The film, which was Hudson’s big screen debut, won Best Picture, Best Original Score, Best Screenplay and Best Costume Design at the 54th Academy Awards in 1982.
A statement on behalf of his family said: “Hugh Hudson, 86, beloved husband and father, died on 10 February 2023 at Charing Cross Hospital after a short illness.
“He is best known for directing the Oscar-winning film Chariots Of Fire. He is survived by his wife Maryam, son Thomas and first wife Sue.’
Farewell: Hugh Hudson, best known for the Oscar-winning film Chariots Of Fire, has died at the age of 86, according to a statement on behalf of his family (Chariots Of Fire pictured).
Veteran stage and screen actor Nigel Havers, who played Lord Andrew Lindsay in the critically acclaimed film, told the PA news agency: “I am beyond devastated that my amazing friend Hugh Hudson, whom I have known for more than 45 years know, died .
“Chariots Of Fire was one of the greatest experiences of my professional life and like so many others I owe him much for what has followed. I will miss him very much.”
Born in London in 1936, Hudson attended boarding school before attending Eton College – although he reportedly resented his association with the famous school.
After leaving Eton he began national service with the Dragoon Guards and remained in the Army Officer Reserve until his discharge in 1960.
His move into the creative industry came later in the 1960s, during which time he worked in a London advertising firm before moving into documentaries and television commercials.
The work brought him to the attention of producer David Puttnam, who would go on to produce Chariots Of Fire.
The film was nominated for a total of seven Academy Awards, including a Best Director nomination for Hudson, and won four.
According to the British Film Institute (BFI), its perception as a “radical indictment of establishment snobbery” made it “one of the most controversial British films of the decade”.
Hugh is survived by his wife, former James Bond actress Maryam D’Abo – who starred in The Living Daylights – and son Thomas.