Mike Newell

Born: 28 March 1942
Where: St Albans, Hertfordshire, England

The Four Weddings and a Funeral director alternated between London and Hollywood, from film to TV, before securing his reputation as a leading British filmmaker in the early 1990s.

He learned his craft as a production trainee at Granada Television after graduating in English from Cambridge and went on to direct numerous plays for TV.

Newell made his feature debut in the US with The Awakening and his critical fortunes improved with the acclaimed Dance With a Stranger, starring Miranda Richardson and Rupert Everett.

Newell's next film, The Good Father, a Brit TV-movie released theatrically in the US, allowed Anthony Hopkins to shine as an embittered, bereft parent.

Newell enjoyed a critical and commercial triumph with the multi-Oscar-nominated Enchanted April, a romantic comedy remake also starring Miranda Richardson, and followed up with Into the West.

The surprising success of his Four Weddings and a Funeral, which starred Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell, shocked even Newell.

He had no confidence in his rough version until a test audience began laughing almost immediately during the first screening.

The film earned Newell a BAFTA for Best Director, as well as being nominated for A Best Picture Oscar.

Just when it seemed he was settling into the light romantic genre, Newell reinvented himself with his entry into 'Mob' pictures - Donnie Brasco.

As much a father-son story as a Mafia movie, the film delivered outstanding performances from stars Johnny Depp and Al Pacino.

Next up Pushing Tin - the unlikely tale of air traffic controllers starring John Cusack - was a critical hit.

Julia Roberts and Kisten Dunst starred in the ensemble drama Mona Lisa Smile and Newell's next task was Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire, the fourth in the series.