Bond films director Lewis Gilbert dies at 97

He is best known for “Alfie” and “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) and “Moonraker” (1979)

In this September 20, 2000 file photo, British filmmaker Lewis Gilbert poses for a photograph. Mr. Gilbert, who directed dozens of movies including three James Bond thrillers, has died at 97, it was reported on February 27, 2018.

British producer-director Lewis Gilbert, best known for films such as “Alfie” and James Bond films such as “The Spy Who Loved Me” and “Moonraker,” has died. He was 97.

The news of his death was shared by the Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our dear friend Lewis Gilbert. Lewis was a true gentleman,” the duo said in a statement.

‘Enormous contribution’

Mr. Gilbert directed 1967’s “You Only Live Twice” starring Sean Connery, “The Spy Who Loved Me” in 1977 and “Moonraker” in 1979, both starring Roger Moore.

“He made an enormous contribution to the British film industry as well as the Bond films, directing ‘You Only Live Twice’, ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ and ‘Moonraker’ His films are not only loved by us but are considered classics within the series. He will be sorely missed,” they added.

Mr. Gilbert, who was born into the family of music-hall performers, began his career as a child actor. In 1939, he worked as an assistant on Alfred Hitchcock’s “Jamaica Inn.”

He was also known for directing “Educating Rita” and “Alfie”. For the latter, he received an Oscar nomination for best director. “Alfie” was also instrumental in actor Michael Caine’s rise to fame.

Tributes pour in

On Twitter, a number of celebrities, including directors Edgar Wright and Peyton Reed, paid to tributes to Mr. Gilbert.

“Lewis Gilbert, director of ‘You Only Live Twice’, ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ and ‘Moonraker’, has passed away. ‘Spy’ was the first Bond film I saw in the theatre. (And I have a tiny homage to ‘Moonraker’ in ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp’) Rest in Peace,” tweeted Mr. Reed.

Mr. Wright wrote, “Rip Lewis Gilbert, the great British director who, among his 40 plus credits, directed ‘Alfie’, ‘Educating Rita’, ‘Reach For The Sky’, ‘Shirley Valentine’ and one of my very favourite Bond films: ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ “Why’d you have to be so good?”