David Leland Cause of Death and Obituary, Who Was David Leland? What Happened to David Leland? How Did David Leland Die?

British filmmaker David Leland, renowned for "Wish You Were Here" and acclaimed TV series like "Band of Brothers" and "The Borgias," passed away at 82 on Christmas Eve. A BAFTA-winning talent, his legacy resonates in film and television.  

by Priyanka P | Updated Dec 28, 2023

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David Leland Cause of Death and Obituary

David Leland, the British writer, director, and actor, passed away at the age of 82 on Christmas Eve, surrounded by his family. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. Leland was widely recognized for his contributions to film and television, with notable works including "Wish You Were Here," "Band of Brothers," and "The Borgias."

He started his career in theater, directing productions and giving actors like Pierce Brosnan and Tim Roth early opportunities. Leland won a BAFTA for best original screenplay for "Wish You Were Here" in 1987. He also directed the documentary "Concert for George" in 2003, earning a Grammy. Leland is remembered as a respected figure in the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting impact on those who worked with him.

Discover the unique and compelling life stories of inspiring individuals. Read their obituaries and appreciate their lasting influence, determination, and positive impact. Fresherslive shares touching tributes for everyone to read, learn from, and remember.

Who Was David Leland? 

David Leland (20 April 1941 – 24 December 2023) was a British film director, screenwriter, and actor known for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He began his career as an actor, later co-founding Drama Centre London in 1963. Leland gained acclaim for his collaboration with TV director Alan Clarke, notably with the film "Made in Britain," featuring Tim Roth's debut.

In 1986, he co-wrote the screenplay for "Mona Lisa," receiving award nominations. Leland directed the successful film "Wish You Were Here," winning the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay in 1987. His diverse career included directing stage musicals, the HBO Miniseries "Band of Brothers," and co-showrunning "The Borgias." Following the death of his friend George Harrison, Leland played a key role in the Concert for George memorial.

He passed away on 24 December 2023 at the age of 82.

What Happened to David Leland?

David Leland passed away on 24 December 2023 at the age of 82. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. Leland was a British film director, screenwriter, and actor, known for his notable works such as "Wish You Were Here," "Band of Brothers," and his involvement in the Concert for George memorial after the death of his friend George Harrison.

Throughout his career, Leland received recognition for his contributions to film, television, and stage productions. His directorial debut, "Wish You Were Here," earned him a BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay in 1987. Leland's impact on the entertainment industry and his collaborations with influential figures were celebrated, making his death a loss to the world of cinema.

David Leland Early Life

David Leland was born on April 20, 1941. He began his journey in the entertainment industry after training as an actor at the Central School of Speech and Drama. In 1963, Leland was part of a group that broke away from Central and founded Drama Centre London.

Initially involved in small acting roles, his career took a significant turn in 1981 when he collaborated with British television director Alan Clarke on the well-received film "Made in Britain." This marked the debut of actor Tim Roth. Leland's versatility extended to co-writing the screenplay for "Mona Lisa" in 1986, earning award nominations.

His directorial debut, "Wish You Were Here," in 1987, garnered critical acclaim and established him as a filmmaker. Leland's early life laid the foundation for a diverse and influential career in film and television.

How Did David Leland Die?

David Leland passed away on December 24, 2023, at the age of 82. The specific cause of his death has not been disclosed to the public. Leland was a British film director, screenwriter, and actor known for his contributions to various notable projects such as "Wish You Were Here," "Band of Brothers," and the Concert for George memorial after the death of his friend George Harrison.

Despite his diverse and impactful career in the entertainment industry, the circumstances surrounding his death have been kept private, respecting the wishes of Leland's family and associates. The legacy of David Leland lives on through his influential work in film, television, and stage productions.

David Leland Career

David Leland had a diverse and successful career as a British film director, screenwriter, and actor. Born on April 20, 1941, Leland initially trained as an actor at the Central School of Speech and Drama. In 1963, he played a role in the formation of Drama Centre London. His breakthrough came in 1981 when he collaborated with Alan Clarke on "Made in Britain," a film well-received for featuring Tim Roth's debut.

Leland's directorial debut, "Wish You Were Here" in 1987, won a BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay. He further co-wrote "Mona Lisa" (1986) and directed successful stage musicals like "A Tribute to the Blues Brothers" (1991). Leland also contributed to the HBO Miniseries "Band of Brothers" (2000) and co-showran "The Borgias" (2012).

His impactful career spanned film, television, and stage, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. David Leland passed away on December 24, 2023, at the age of 82.

David Leland Filmography

Actor

Movie/TV Show

Year

Role

Big Breadwinner Hog (television series)

1969

Grange

1917

1970

Felix

Scars of Dracula

1970

1st Policeman

One Brief Summer

1970

Peter

The Pied Piper

1972

Officer

Gawain and the Green Knight

1973

Humphrey

Time Bandits

1981

Puppeteer

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

1981

Majikthise

The Missionary

1982

Long Haired Man at Gin Palace

The Jewel in the Crown (television series)

1984

Captain Purvis

Personal Services

1987

Mr. Pilkington

When Saturday Comes

1996

Priest

Screenwriter

Movie/TV Show

Director

Made in Britain

Alan Clarke

R.H.I.N.O.; Really Here in Name Only

Jane Howell

Birth of a Nation

Mike Newell

Flying Into the Wind

Edward Bennett

Mona Lisa

Neil Jordan

Personal Services

Terry Jones

The White River Kid

Arne Glimcher

The Borgias (TV series)

David Leland (also executive producer and episode director; creator: Neil Jordan)

Director

Category

Title

Year

Films

Wish You Were Here

1987

Films

Checking Out

1988

Films

The Big Man

1990

Films

The Land Girls

1998

Films

Concert for George

2003

Films

Virgin Territory a.k.a. Mediaeval Pie

2007

Television

Band of Brothers (part No. 6 "Bastogne")

2001

Television

The Borgias (episode 9)

2012
 

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David Leland Cause of Death and Obituary - FAQs

1. Who was David Leland?  

David Leland was a British filmmaker, writer, and actor known for his diverse contributions to the entertainment industry, including notable works like "Wish You Were Here," "Band of Brothers," and "The Borgias."

2. What were David Leland's notable film projects?  

Leland directed impactful films such as "Wish You Were Here" (1987), "The Big Man" (1990), and "Concert for George" (2003), earning a BAFTA and a Grammy for his contributions.

3. What TV shows did David Leland work on? 

Leland directed the "Band of Brothers" episode "Bastogne" (2001) and co-showran and directed episodes for "The Borgias" (2012).

4. What was David Leland's career in acting like?  

David Leland had roles in various films and TV shows, including "Scars of Dracula" (1970), "Time Bandits" (1981), and "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (1981).

5. How will David Leland be remembered in the industry?  

David Leland, respected for his BAFTA-winning screenplay in "Wish You Were Here," his directorial achievements, and the Grammy-winning "Concert for George" documentary, leaves a lasting impact on the entertainment world.