Michael Apted

Michael David Apted (10 February 1941 – 7 January 2021) was a renowned English television and film director and producer. He began his career in television, directing the influential Up documentary series (1964–2019). He later directed the critically acclaimed film Coal Miner's Daughter (1980), which was up for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture. Other noteworthy works included Gorillas in the Mist (1988), Nell (1994), James Bond film The World Is Not Enough (1999), and Enigma (2001). His film, Amazing Grace (2006), premiered at the closing of the Toronto International Film Festival that year. Apted was elected president of the Directors Guild of America in 2003 and served until 2009. He was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 2008 Birthday Honours. His career spanned from his start at Granada Television where he developed the Up series, and continued on to direction of powerful films on diverse topics from ethical dilemmas to biographical depictions.

He was born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, the son of Frances Amelia (née Thomas) and Ronald William Apted. He was educated at the City of London School and Downing College, Cambridge, where he studied law and history. Some of his notable television works include Coronation Street, The Dustbinmen, and The Lovers. Apted also made significant contributions to the documentary genre, with works like Bring On the Night, a feature-length concert film about the making of Sting's first solo album. He moved into the global spotlight when he directed the Official Film of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.