London (AFP)
British director Michael Apted, famous for his documentary series "Up" and his installment of the James Bond saga, died on Friday at the age of 79, his agent announced.
Michael Apted had directed, among others, "Nashville Lady" (1980) and "Gorillas in the Mist" (1988), as well as the film from the James Bond saga "The world is not enough" (1999).
But he was best known in the UK for his documentary series "Up", in which he filmed every seven years the evolution of 14 little Britons from different socio-economic backgrounds, since they were seven years old when the project started in 1964, until they turned 63.
"Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of this esteemed director," said Thomas Schlamme, current director of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), of which Michael Apted was also president, in a statement.
"His legacy will forever be inscribed in the world of cinema and our association," added Thomas Schlamme, describing his predecessor as an "intrepid visionary", whose "wisdom" and "acerbic spirit" he salutes.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Michael Apted," said Kevin Lygo, director of ITV, the channel which broadcast its documentaries following the lives of 14 Britons.
"The + Up + series has shown the best that television can give in its ambition and its ability to mirror society and entertain people while enriching our perspective on the human condition," he said. added.
Michael Apted leaves behind his wife Paige and three children, Jim, John and Lily, said Thomas Schlamme.
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