Briton Hugh Hudson, director of the cult 1981 film
Chariots of Fire
, died Friday at the age of 86, his family said.
"Hugh Hudson, 86, beloved husband and father, died at Charing Cross Hospital (London) on February 10, 2023 following a short illness,"
a statement on behalf of his family read.
“Radical critique of establishment snobbery”
Born in August 1936 in London, Hugh Hudson enjoyed dazzling success in 1981 when he directed
Chariots of Fire,
which tells the story of two British athletes including Harold Abrahams, a young Jew plagued by anti-Semitism in his quest for Olympic gold in 1924. Remembered in particular for its famous song by Vangelis, the film was crowned with four Oscars, including that of the best film.
"I am beyond devastated that my great friend Hugh Hudson, whom I have known for over 45 years, has passed away,"
British actor Nigel Havers, who starred in the film, said in a statement.
“Chariots of Fire was one of the greatest experiences of my professional life.
And, like so many others, I owe him much of what followed
,” he said.
According to the British Film Institute,
Chariots of Fire
at the time became
"one of the most controversial British films of the decade",
seen as a
"radical critique of establishment snobbery".
Read alsoDeath of Vangelis, Greek composer of the Chariots of Fire and Blade Runner soundtrack
In an interview with The
Guardian
in 2012, the director, who studied at the prestigious Eton college, said he thought he was chosen by the producer to direct the film because
"issues of class and race spoke to me".
"I had been sent to Eton because my family had been there for generations, but I hated all the prejudice
," he said.
Beyond the cult film, Hugh Hudson had a career in advertising and documentaries.
He had a son and had been married since 2003 to British actress Maryam d'Abo, known for her role as the Bond girl in
Killing Is Not Playing
in 1987.