Ken Russell, the British film director whose work includes Woman in Love, The Devils and Tommy, has died at the age of 84.
The directors’ son, Alex, confirmed that his father died peacefully in his sleep in hospital yesterday afternoon and he is survived by his wife Lisi Tribble and five children from his first marriage to Shirley Russell.
Born Henry Kenneth Alfred Russell on July 3 1927, he served in both the Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy despite harbouring a childhood ambition to be a ballet dancer.
Following his time in service he made the move into photography before directing television documentaries.
Ken pictured with his second wife, Lisi
He then began his film career in 1963 with French Dressing which he followed up with the Harry Palmer film Billion Dollar Brain which starred Michael Caine.
He earned a Best Director Oscar nomination for his 1969 adaptation of DH Lawrence’s Women in Love, which also earned a Best Actress Academy Award for Glenda Jackson.
The Devils, which starred Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave sparked huge controversy following its release in 1971 due to its violent, sexual and religious content.
Russell took part in Celebrity Big Brother in 2007, however he left the house after four days following arguments with fellow contestants.
Ken with his 1969 Bafta trophy - He won the Desmond Davis Award for the most creative contribution to Television producing
