Sir Samuel Alexander Mendes CBE, known as Sam Mendes, is a renowned British film and stage director, producer, and screenwriter, born on 1 August 1965 in Reading, Berkshire, England. His ascent to prominence began in 2000 when he was appointed a CBE for his services in drama and was later knighted in the 2020 New Years Honours List. Mendes is celebrated for his impressive contributions to theatre and film, scoring remarkable achievements such as the receipt of a lifetime achievement award from the Directors Guild of Great Britain in 2005. His direction is highly praised in both theatre and film alike, diversifying from dark re-interpretations of stage musicals to directing films like his debut 'American Beauty', which won him the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Director.

Mendes was born to a Trinidadian Catholic father and an English Jewish mother, growing up in North London. Despite having his parents divorced when he was three, Sam went on to pursue his passion for theatre during his time at Cambridge University. He then proceeded to make remarkable contributions to Donmar Warehouse, turning it into one of the most successful and fashionable playhouses in London. In addition to stage, Mendes has left an indelible mark on the film industry, particularly with his work on Bond films like Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015). He's currently planning films on each of The Beatles.