Michael Winner dies, aged 77

Michael WinnerFilm director and newspaper columnist Michael Winner passed away at his Kensington home earlier today at the age of 77.

Confirming the news, his wife Geraldine said of Winner:

Michael was a wonderful man, brilliant, funny and generous. A light has gone out in my life.

Winner directed several films during his career as a director including 1973 spy adventure Scorpio and 1974 crime thriler Death Wish.

After retiring he went on to become a food critic for The Sunday Times with his own column “Winner’s Dinners.”

Last year Winner admitted to researching assisted suicide after being told that his failing liver had left him with 18 months to live.

I checked Dignitas on the computer and you need to go so much. It’s not a walk-in death. You don’t just go in and say, ‘Here I am, do your worst’. You have to go through a whole series of papers and re-examinations just to die.

People should have the right to terminate their own life. If you’re dead, you’re dead, so who cares? I’m very happy to snuff it. I’ve had enough time on earth. I’d be happy if someone gave me the plug to pull. – Winner, speaking to The Times

Michael Winner – 1935-2013.