Alan Parker has sadly died at the age of 76, following a lengthy illness.
The filmmaker was best known for directing legendary Irish movies The Commitments and Angela’s Ashes.
He also directed other blockbuster hits, including Midnight Express, Bugsy Malone, Mississippi Burning, Fame and Evita.
Since the news of his death broke, many have taken to Twitter to pay tribute.
So very sad to share the news of the passing of my dear friend, Sir Alan Parker. Being cast in his epic film, Birdy, transformed my life. Alan was a great artist who’s films will live forever. Godspeed, Sir Alan. ????#BugsyMalone#MidnightExpress#FAME#MississippiBurning#Birdy pic.twitter.com/4rBpbEhVh1
— Matthew Modine (@MatthewModine) July 31, 2020
Very sad to hear the news of Alan Parker’s death. My friend and collaborator on the Evita movie and one of the few directors to truly understand musicals on screen. – ALW
— Andrew Lloyd Webber (@OfficialALW) July 31, 2020
People talk about Jack Charlton’s role in heralding some kind of new Ireland in the 1990s, but I think Alan Parker played a similar role. The Commitments presented a non-apologetic, truthful and very funny Dublin to the world in a way that had never really been done before. RIP. pic.twitter.com/b7FmHn0V77
— John Connolly (@jkconnolly) July 31, 2020
Really sad to say goodbye to Alan Parker. There’s a lot of wonderful work he has left us. He also had a serious impact on my own life as he was the first film director to think I might be able to create a film score – pg
In full > https://t.co/rRujBmsuxL pic.twitter.com/mLtQbtgC3k— Peter Gabriel (@itspetergabriel) July 31, 2020
So sad to hear of Alan Parker’s passing. What a great director who made what I consider “real” movies. He inspired so many filmmakers: ‘Fame’, ‘Midnight Express,’ ‘Mississippi Burning’…Watch his films – they are some of the best of the 70s and 80s. #RIP https://t.co/Dchg3UPydh
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) July 31, 2020
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of BAFTA Fellow Alan Parker. As BAFTA-winning filmmaker, he brought us joy with Bugsy Malone, The Commitments, Midnight Express and many more. pic.twitter.com/fVOcXARgKM
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) July 31, 2020
Watching The Commitments again in tribute to Alan Parker. Always loved it, but I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed so much. God it’s so good. The shot composition, the energy, the message. Very few films so bursting with life. What joy. Thanks Alan.
— chris o’dowd (@BigBoyler) August 1, 2020
Watched Evita in honor of Alan Parker (I saw it three times in the theater when it came out!) and this in the credits made me laugh. pic.twitter.com/g28Fk1UotO
— Adam Roberts (@heyadamroberts) August 1, 2020
Lost a good one today. God sent him…on a fuckin Suzuki #AlanParker pic.twitter.com/xLwIho7NLR
— Ciaran Vallely (@vallely_ciaran) August 1, 2020
Alan Parker was a visionary genius. His movies like Bugsy Malone and Midnight Express inspired and encouraged me to become a film maker. His legacy will live for ever. May he continue to spread his love for life and cinema on his next journey. pic.twitter.com/QoVwlsfJ7q
— Renny Harlin (@therennyharlin) August 1, 2020
Sad news of the death of Alan Parker!
His film The Commitments was just brilliant! pic.twitter.com/eDEUyhL2wn— robbie clark (@zzrabzz) August 1, 2020
From “Fame” to “Midnight Express,” two-time Oscar nominee Alan Parker was a chameleon. His work entertained us, connected us, and gave us such a strong sense of time and place. An extraordinary talent, he will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/OxZPBxTE8F
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) July 31, 2020
Alan is survived by his wife Lisa Moran-Parker, his children Lucy, Alexander, Jake, Nathan and Henry, and seven grandchildren.
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