Jonathan Lynn

Born: 3rd April 1943
Where: Bath, England

The British director made his name at home for the BBC series Yes Minister but is better known by international audiences for the comedy My Cousin Vinnie.

The former stage director made his name with Anna Christie at the RSC in Stratford and Macbeth featuring Brian Cox.

The BAFTA-winning Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister, which went on to become bestselling books, attracted the attention of Hollywood.

His first feature Clue - based on the whodunnit boardgame - was followed by Nuns on the Run, starring Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane - and was based on his own screenplay.

The critically-applauded My Cousin Vinnie landed Marisa Tomei as best supporting actress Oscar.

Next up was the political satire The Distinguished Gentleman, starring Eddie Murphy, and Greedy starring Michael J Fox and Kirk Douglas.

Sgt Bilko, starring Steve Martin, was an unsuccessful big screen version of the American TV classic and Lynn followed this with Trial and Error with Charlize Theron.

The screwball crime movie The Whole Nine Yards was number one at the America box office for three weeks.

Recent work includes the gospel-tinged romantic comedy The Fighting Temptations with Cuba Gooding Jr and Destiny's Childs' Beyonce Knowles.