John Irvin, British film-maker who directed Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, dies aged 86 — SkimNews
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- John Irvin died peacefully at home on 11 August, surrounded by his family, his producer Claire Evans confirmed; he was 86.
- John Irvin released his first film, the documentary Gala Day, in 1963, alongside Inheritance, narrated by Richard Burton, which won him his first Bafta.
- The Peasants Revolt, directed by Irvin in 1969, starred Anthony Hopkins in his first television role, during Irvin’s early work for the BBC and ITV.
- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy won two Baftas from six nominations and received an Emmy nomination; its success led Irvin into Hollywood.
- John Irvin directed Hollywood films including The Dogs of War, Raw Deal and Hamburger Hill, later shifting toward independent cinema in the 2000s.
- Mandela’s Gun was Irvin’s final film in 2016, and he was working on a new cut of it when he died.
Why it matters: The immediate loss is personal: the report names Irvin’s three children and two grandchildren as his survivors. Professionally, his death closes a 50-year career that moved from documentaries and BBC drama to Hollywood action, with Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy winning two Baftas and Mandela’s Gun still receiving a new cut at the end.
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