Stephen Whittaker
Directing
- Born
- June 28, 1947 · London, England, UK
- Died
- February 7, 2003 (age 55)
Stephen Whittaker (28 June 1947 – 7 February 2003) was a British actor and director. He worked largely in British film and television, and attended Henley-in-Arden School in Warwickshire before further training as an actor at London's Corona Academy. He began his career aged 17, as a "bad boy" in the film To Sir With Love (1966), and in the classic BBC Doctor Who adventure The Web of Fear, as a soldier battling Yeti in the London Underground.
In 1985, Whittaker took a director's training course and directed a short training film, which he sent to John Schlesinger (who had directed him in Yanks). Schlesinger suggested him to producer Mark Shivas as director for Channel 4's drama trilogy What If It's Raining?, written by Anthony Minghella. This was the beginning of a directing career of prestigious TV and film work. Shortly before Whittaker's death, writer Julian Fellowes spoke of him as "the most exciting director in the industry."
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In 2001, he filmed his final project, The Rocket Post, a romantic drama set on a remote Scottish island. The film had severe funding problems and was eventually released in 2006, three years after his death. The credits bear a dedication to his memory. Whittaker died following complications from a routine surgery.
Known for
Behind the camera11
- 2004The Rocket Post Director
- 2003Sons & Lovers Director
- 2001The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby Director
- 1998A Life for a Life Director
- 1997Stone, Scissors, Paper Director
- 1997Stone Cold Director
- 1997Tangier Cop Director
- 1996Killing Me Softly Director
- 1993Closing Numbers Director
- 1988Love Birds Director
