British director Ken Russell has died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 84. Best known for dramas like Women In Love, which secured him an Oscar nomination, and rock musical Tommy, he was known for his flamboyant style and delight in controversial themes and presentations.
Russell began his career as a photographer, before moving into TV documentary and short films. His first film was a comedy called French Dressing in 1963, but it wasn't until 1967's Billion Dollar Brain, with Michael Caine and Karl Malden, that he had a major success. His reputation was cemented two years later with Women In Love, the adaptation of DH Lawrence's novel, which received four Oscar nominations, including one for Russell himself, and landed Glenda Jackson her win for Best Actress - all this despite inviting controversy for a naked wrestling scene between Oliver Reed and Alan Bates.
Russell continued to invite controversy with The Devils, starring Reed again and Vanessa Redgrave, before The Who's **Tommy **provided his biggest hit in 1975. 1980 saw his first foray into sci-fi with Altered States, before he took to directing opera and theatre inbetween sporadic cinematic releases.
A huge personality - as anyone who watched The South Bank Show during the 1990s will tell you - it almost seems unlike the man to fall asleep for the final time.
He is survived by his wife, Lisi Tribble, and his six children, Xavier, James, Alexander, Victoria, Toby and Rex. He will be sorely missed.