2 articles from 2005
25 April 2005 | From Studio Briefing | See recent Studio Briefing news
John Mills, who made his feature-film debut 73 years ago and received a best-supporting actor Oscar for David Lean's 1970 film Ryan's Daughter, died Saturday at his home near London at the age of 97. He generally appeared as the English Everyman, modest, emotionally repressed, and deferential. He was directed by Lean in four other films, In Which We Serve in 1942, Noel Coward's This Happy Breed in 1944, Great Expectations in 1946 and Hobson's Choice in 1954. In the 1960s, he appeared in several films that starred his daughters, Hayley Mills and Juliet Mills. He had been active as an actor to the end.
25 April 2005 | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news
Legendary actor Sir John Mills has died following a battle with a chest infection. He was 97. The British star of over 100 films passed away at his Buckinghamshire, England, home on Sunday after falling ill several weeks ago. His demise has prompted some of the UK's biggest names to speak out in tribute to the actor, who won an Oscar in 1971 for his role in Ryan's Daughter. Devastated director Lord Richard Attenborough says, "He was unequalled as a world (and) British movie star." UK Prime Minister Tony Blair describes Mills as "a great actor, a true gentleman and a loyal friend; someone who made us proud to be British", while Queen Elizabeth II was "sorry" to hear of his death. A funeral service for the screen star has been arranged for family and friends at St Mary's Church in his home town of Denham on Wednesday. Mills is survived by his wife Mary Hayley-bell - now Lady Mills - son Jonathan and actress daughters Juliet Mills and Hayley Mills. In recent years, wheelchair-bound Lady Mills has been suffering with Alzheimer's Disease, but her famous husband never doubted they'd be reunited in full health in the afterlife. He said, "The body dies but the spirit goes on. Of that I'm certain. One day Mary and I will leave this world, but we'll be reunited in the next." Despite his own failing health, Mills refused to retire - because he couldn't bear to never experience the buzz of acting again. He said, "When I get out there, coming across the footlights, it's something that I can hardly explain... such warmth greets me and I feel terrific, it's just wonderful." Mills is best known for his roles in films including Great Expectations in 1946 and 1956's War And Peace.
2 articles from 2005