Michael Winner

Michael Winner

Michael Winner (30 October 1935 – 21 January 2013) was a British film director and producer, and a restaurant critic for The Sunday Times.

Early Life

Winner was born in Hampstead, London, England. He was an only child, born to Helen (née Zlota) and George Joseph Winner (1910–1975), a company director. His family was Jewish; his mother was Polish and his father of Russian extraction.

Career

Film

Winner started his career as an assistant director of the BBC television series "The Human Jungle". He directed 30 films for the cinema and television, including some episodes of the TV series "The Saint". Winner's films varied widely in critical and commercial reception, from high-profile successes like "Death Wish" and "The Mechanic", to critical failures like "Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood".

Journalism

In his later years, Winner was known for his restaurant reviews in "The Sunday Times", which were collected into several volumes. He was also known for his work on road safety, and started a campaign for a memorial to fallen police officers, the "Police Memorial Trust".

Personal Life

Winner was married to Geraldine Lynton-Edwards in 2011, after a lengthy courtship. He was known for his flamboyant personality and his catchphrase, "Calm down, dear!"

Death

Winner died on 21 January 2013, aged 77, at his home in Kensington, London, after a prolonged illness.

Legacy

Winner's legacy in the film industry is marked by his contributions to British cinema, his unique directing style, and his controversial film "Death Wish". His work as a restaurant critic and his "Police Memorial Trust" campaign also left a lasting impact.

See Also

• British Cinema
• The Sunday Times
• Death Wish (film series)

External Links

• Michael Winner on IMDb
• Michael Winner's Dining Stars
• Michael Winner's True Crimes