David Leland, the British writer and director behind shows including Band of Brothers and The Borgias, has died aged 82.
Leland was surrounded by family when he died on Christmas Eve, his longtime agency, Cassaroto Ramsay & Associates announced. The cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.
Following the news, a number of Leland’s friends and former collaborators paid tribute, including actors Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan and Tim Roth.
“David Leland holds a mighty place in my heart. I was just out of Drama Centre where David was also an alumni,” Brosnan said in a tribute per Deadline. “It was the thrill of my young lifetime to be cast as McCabe, working with David and Tennessee. David will forever be an essential part of my story and of all who knew and loved him.”
Neeson, who starred in Leland’s The Big Man, also paid tribute, writing: “David was a dream to work with.”
Praising him as a “real collaborator”, Neeson added: “He genuinely loved and admired actors. We formed a close bond. I loved his mischievous sense of humour. You are always in my heart old friend. See you down the road.”
Roth said: “David was there at the very beginning of this crazy adventure. He changed my life, and I love him for it. I’ll keep him with me always.”
More to follow…
David Leland, the British writer and director behind shows including Band of Brothers and The Borgias, has died aged 82.
Leland was surrounded by family when he died on Christmas Eve, his longtime agency, Cassaroto Ramsay & Associates announced. The cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.
Following the news, a number of Leland’s friends and former collaborators paid tribute, including actors Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan and Tim Roth.
“David Leland holds a mighty place in my heart. I was just out of Drama Centre where David was also an alumni,” Brosnan said in a tribute per Deadline. “It was the thrill of my young lifetime to be cast as McCabe, working with David and Tennessee. David will forever be an essential part of my story and of all who knew and loved him.”
Neeson, who starred in Leland’s The Big Man, also paid tribute, writing: “David was a dream to work with.”
Praising him as a “real collaborator”, Neeson added: “He genuinely loved and admired actors. We formed a close bond. I loved his mischievous sense of humour. You are always in my heart old friend. See you down the road.”
Roth said: “David was there at the very beginning of this crazy adventure. He changed my life, and I love him for it. I’ll keep him with me always.”
More to follow…