Stepford Wives director Bryan Forbes dies

A family spokesman who confirmed the sad news said the director died following a long illness.

09:44 11 May 2013

Bryan Forbes, the director of the original 1970s horror classic Stepford Wives has died following a long illness, as confirmed by the family spokesman. He died at his home in Virginia Water, Surrey, and was surrounded by his family.

Forbes, who was born in East London on July 22, 1926, was described as “giant of cinema.” He was married to actress Nanette Newman and had two daughters; TV presenter Emma Forbes and Sarah Standing, a journalist.

Among his accomplishments is Dilys Powell Award for outstanding contribution to cinema at the London Film Critics’ Circle Awards in 2006. He also received CBE in 2004 for his services to the arts and the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain.

Forbes started his career as an actor in 1948 where he appeared in several films, which include An Inspector Calls and The Colditz Story. In 1961, he began his career as a film director. Among the films he directed are Whistle Down The Wind, The Wrong Box, The Raging Moon, and International Velvet.