Date of Birth: February 16, 1926
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: July 25, 2003
Biography
John Richard Schlesinger was a British film and stage director, born on February 16, 1926, in London, England. He grew up in a Jewish family and became interested in the arts at an early age. Schlesinger attended Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied English literature and became involved in the university’s drama society. After completing his education, he served in the Royal Engineers during World War II. Schlesinger began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor before transitioning to filmmaking. His directorial debut came with the documentary short “Sunday in the Park” (1956). He gained recognition with his feature film “A Kind of Loving” (1962), which was part of the British New Wave cinema movement. Schlesinger’s most acclaimed work came in 1969 with “Midnight Cowboy,” a film that won three Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture. Throughout his career, Schlesinger directed a variety of films, including “Sunday Bloody Sunday” (1971), “Marathon Man” (1976), and “Madame Sousatzka” (1988). He was known for his ability to explore complex characters and social issues with sensitivity and depth. Schlesinger also worked in television and theatre, earning accolades for his contributions to both mediums. John Schlesinger passed away on July 25, 2003, in Palm Springs, California, after a long illness. His legacy continues to influence filmmakers and audiences around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about John Schlesinger
1. John Schlesinger’s film “Midnight Cowboy” was the first and only X-rated film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
2. He was openly gay and his film “Sunday Bloody Sunday” was one of the first to feature a positive portrayal of a gay relationship.
3. Schlesinger directed the famous thriller “Marathon Man,” which includes the iconic line “Is it safe?” spoken by Laurence Olivier.
4. He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1970 for his contributions to the arts.
5. Schlesinger directed the music video for Paul McCartney’s song “My Brave Face” in 1989.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Schlesinger
1. “There is no set way to make a film; you have to find your own way.”
2. “Midnight Cowboy was a movie that touched the hearts of many people. It was about loneliness and the need for connection.”
3. “I’ve always been interested in the underdog, in those who are struggling to find their place in the world.”
4. “Theater and film are both about storytelling, but they require different approaches and techniques.”
5. “The best films come from a place of passion. You have to care deeply about the story you’re telling.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
John Schlesinger’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
John Schlesinger did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [John Schlesinger – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0772192/
2. [John Schlesinger – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Schlesinger
4. [John Schlesinger – British Film Institute](https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b9f2d7b0d
