Lewis Gilbert
Early Life
Lewis Gilbert was born on March 6, 1920, in London, England. His parents, who were both vaudeville performers, introduced him to the world of entertainment at an early age. Gilbert's interest in film was sparked during his childhood, and he began his career as a child actor in the 1930s.
Career
Gilbert transitioned from acting to directing and producing in the 1940s. He served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, where he was part of the film unit. This experience allowed him to further develop his skills behind the camera.
After the war, Gilbert returned to the film industry, directing a series of documentaries and short films. His first feature film, "The Little Ballerina", was released in 1947. Gilbert continued to work in the British film industry throughout the 1950s, directing a number of successful films including "Reach for the Sky" and "Carve Her Name with Pride".
In the 1960s, Gilbert achieved international success when he was chosen to direct the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice". He went on to direct two more Bond films, "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "Moonraker". These films are considered some of the most successful entries in the James Bond series.
Gilbert's other notable films include "Alfie", which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Director, and "Educating Rita", which was nominated for three Academy Awards.
Personal Life and Death
Gilbert was married to Hylda Tafler for 53 years until her death in 2005. They had two sons, John and Stephen. Gilbert died on February 23, 2018, at the age of 97.
Legacy
Lewis Gilbert's contribution to the film industry has been recognized with several awards and honors. In 1997, he was awarded a BFI Fellowship for his outstanding contribution to film culture. In 2001, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to the film industry.
