John Irvin, legendary British director of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, dies aged 86

British filmmaker John Irvin, who is best known for directing the acclaimed Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, has died at the age of 86.

The three-time Bafta nominee died ‘peacefully at home’ on August 11, according to reports.

Born in London, Irvin enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades, working across documentaries, television and Hollywood films.

After studying at the London Film School, he became involved with the Free Cinema Movement before moving into documentary filmmaking.

His breakthrough came with Inheritance, a 1963 documentary short about the Algerian War of Independence, before he went on to earn a Bafta nomination for best short film in 1967 for Mafia No!

In 1969, he then travelled to Vietnam to film footage of the war for US newsreel company Movietone.

In the 1970s, he moved into television, directing a number of productions including an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Hard Times in 1977.

However, it was his work on Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy that cemented his reputation.

The BBC’s adaptation of John le Carré’s Cold War spy thriller starred Sir Alec Guinness as George Smiley and was widely acclaimed, earning nominations at both the BAFTAs and Emmys.

Irvin subsequently moved into feature films, building a varied Hollywood career.

His credits included The Dogs of War (1980), starring Christopher Walken, Ghost Story (1981), featuring Fred Astaire, and Champions (1984), starring John Hurt.

He also directed Hamburger Hill, the 1987 Vietnam War film starring Anthony Barrile, Dylan McDermott and Don Cheadle.

Among his other credits were the action film Raw Deal, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Robin Hood, released in 1991 and starring Patrick Bergin and Uma Thurman.