How did Hugh Hudson die? Director of Oscar-winning movie 'Chariots of Fire' dies at 86
WELBECK STREET, LONDON: Hugh Hudson, who is best known for the Academy Award-winning movie Chariots of Fire, has died, his family announced in a statement. He was 86.
The director, who created the 1981 drama about the lives of two British runners in the 1920s, died at Charing Cross hospital on Thursday, February 10, following a short illness. It is yet to be revealed what actually Hugh was suffering from. Hugh is survived by his wife, Maryam, his son, Thomas, and his first wife, Sue.
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Hudson's film won best picture, original score, script, and costume design at the 54th Academy Awards in 1982. It was Hudson's big-screen debut. Actor Nigel Havers, who starred in the film, said he was "beyond devastated" by his death. He added: "Chariots of Fire was one of the greatest experiences of my professional life, and, like so many others, I owe much of what followed to him. I shall miss him greatly."
Hudson began his career making commercials before landing a job working alongside Alan Parker as a second unit director on Midnight Express. Three years later, his film Chariots of Fire, which told the story of two British athletes at the 1924 Olympics, became an international hit as per the Guardian.
Born in 1936 in London, Hudson went to a boarding school before going on to study at Eton College though he reportedly resented his association with the famous school. After leaving Eton, he began national service in the Dragoon Guards and remained in the Army Reserve of Officers until being discharged in 1960, the Daily Mail noted.
Later, in the 1960s, he transitioned to the creative profession, first working in a London-based advertising agency before moving on to documentaries and television commercials. His work caught the eye of producer David Puttnam who eventually went on to produce Chariots Of Fire.
Hudson’s next film was Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes starring Christopher Lambert, Ian Holm, and Andie MacDowell. It was a box office hit and received three Oscar nominations. He followed it with Revolution in 1985, a historical drama starring Al Pacino.
His other films included My Life So Far (1999) and I Dreamed of Africa. He also worked on the stage adaptation of Chariots of Fire and directed an opera version of The Crucible. His last credit was for co-writing the screenplay for the 2022 adventure The Tiger’s Nest.