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DIRECTOR DEAD

Roger Michell dead: Notting Hill and My Cousin Rachel director dies aged 65

NOTTING Hill director Roger Michell has tragically died aged 65.

Roger was also famed for films Venus and My Cousin Rachel, starring Sam Claflin and Rachel Weisz.

Roger Michell has died
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Roger Michell has diedCredit: Getty

A statement from his publicist said: "It is with great sadness that the family of Roger Michell, director, writer and father of Harry, Rosie, Maggie and Sparrow, announce his death at the age of 65 on September 22nd."

Roger was born in South Africa in 1965 to his British diplomat father.

His dad's job meant he spent parts of his childhood in Beirut, Damascus and Prague before attending Clifton College in Bristol.

He began directing and writing short plays before studying English at Queen's College where he won the RSC Buzz Goodbody Award for Best Student Director.

Roger moved to Brighton after graduating and became an assistant director at the Royal Court Theatre.

In 1985, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and also directed several productions at the National Theatre.

His theatre credits include Nina Raine's Consent, Harold Pinter's The Homecoming and Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood.

It was while at the National Theatre that Richard Curtis asked Roger to direct British blockbuster Notting Hill with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.

After the success of the film, he directed 2002 hit Changing Lanes starring Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson.

His other films include Enduring Love, Morning Glory, Persuasion and Blackbird.

Roger also directed forthcoming The Duke starring Dame Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent and Matthew Goode.

He was married twice - including to actress Kate Buffery, who he had daughter Rosanna and son Harry with.

After his divorce, he married Bleak House actress Anna Maxwell Martin, who he split with last year, and had daughters Maggie and Nancy.

Roger pictured with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant on the set of Notting Hill
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Roger pictured with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant on the set of Notting HillCredit: Alamy
The director was also in charge of hits Venus
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The director was also in charge of hits VenusCredit: Getty
Roger with Samuel L Jackson and Ben Affleck on the set of Changing Lanes
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Roger with Samuel L Jackson and Ben Affleck on the set of Changing LanesCredit: Alamy
He also directed My Cousin Rachel with Rachel Weisz (pictured)
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He also directed My Cousin Rachel with Rachel Weisz (pictured)Credit: Alamy
Trailer for 1999 hit rom-com Notting Hill starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts