Madonna Leads Tributes To Legendary Director Sir Alan Parker After He Dies, Aged 76

His credits included Bugsy Malone, Fame, Midnight Express, Mississippi Burning and Evita, in which Madonna starred.
LOADINGERROR LOADING

Madonna has led the tributes to British director Sir Alan Parker, following his death at the age of 76.

Sir Alan was known for a string of hit films in the 70s and 80s, including Bugsy Malone, Fame, Midnight Express and Mississippi Burning.

He also made the 1996 musical drama Evita, which starred Madonna.

Following the news Sir Alan had died on Friday morning following a lengthy illness, the singer posted an emotional message, thanking him for “pushing her to her limits”.

Sharing a photo of them together on set, Madonna wrote on Instagram: “I was so sad to hear about the passing of Alan Parker.

“One of the greatest directors iI’ve ever worked with—on the film Evita. He taught me so much, believed in me, pushed me to my limits and made an incredible film! Thank you!”

Antonio Banderas starred in Evita alongside Madonna and described Sir Alan as a “great director”.

Dear Alan, goodbye. Thank you for having me in EVITA and thank you for your cinematography wisdom.
Here we have all you’ve done, that it is much and good.

— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) July 31, 2020

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber also worked with Sir Alan on Evita and said he was “one of the few directors to truly understand musicals on screen”.

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

Singer Peter Gabriel worked with Sir Alan on 1984 drama Birdy, creating the film’s score. The former Genesis singer said the late director had a “serious impact” on his life.

He said: “He was so encouraging, passionate and dedicated to saying something real with his films, and all delivered with his gentle and timely sense of humour. I only ever heard great things from all those he worked with.”

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

Many other famous names also shared tributes online...

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

Fantastic director and a lovely man..
R.I.P. Alan Parker https://t.co/S86uSuLN4A

— Robert Carlyle (@robertcarlyle_) August 1, 2020

Fabulous director of such varied output: Bugsy Malone, Fame, Midnight Express, Commitments, Mississippi Burning etc and a lovely conversationalist #RIPSirAlanParker BBC News - Sir Alan Parker, director of Bugsy Malone and Evita, dies aged 76 https://t.co/rCoXG6kIds

— Sanjeev Bhaskar (@TVSanjeev) July 31, 2020

Sad to hear that Alan Parker has passed. The Wall, Angel Heart, The Commitments and Mississippi Burning representing just a bit of his extraordinary and diverse filmography. Such a legend. pic.twitter.com/fgq6htxUk7

— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) July 31, 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

During a career notable for the variety as well as the quality of his work, Sir Alan won 19 Baftas, 10 Golden Globes and 10 Oscars.

Sir Alan wrote and directed his first feature film, Bugsy Malone, in 1975 – a musical pastiche of Hollywood gangster films of the 1930s with a cast of children.

Sir Alan’s second film, 1977’s Midnight Express, won two Oscars, six Golden Globes and four Baftas.

In 1981, he directed Pink Floyd – The Wall, the feature film adaptation of the band’s successful rock album, which became a cult classic among music fans.

In November 1995, he was made a CBE for services to the British film industry and he received his knighthood in 2002.

Sir Alan received the Bafta Academy Fellowship Award, the body’s highest honour, in 2013.

Sir Alan was born in Islington, London, on February 14, 1944, and began his career in advertising as a copywriter.

He graduated to writing and directing commercials, and in 1974 moved into long form drama when he directed the BBC film, The Evacuees, written by Jack Rosenthal.

He is survived by his wife Lisa Moran-Parker, his children Lucy, Alexander, Jake, Nathan and Henry, and seven grandchildren.

Close

What's Hot