Ken Russell, the British film director and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant, has died at the age of 84. The director, whose work includes Women in Love, The Devils and Tommy, died peacefully in his sleep in hospital yesterday afternoon (November 27), it has been confirmed. Russell leaves behind his his wife Lisi Tribble and five children from his first marriage to Shirley Russell.
Born in Southampton in 1927, Russell served in both the Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy, before starting his new career with directing television documentaries. He started feature film directing with his 1963 movie French Dressing, before making Harry Palmer film Billion Dollar Brain with Michael Caine. Russell's 1969 adaptation of DH Lawrence's Women in Love gave him an Oscar nomination for 'Best Director' and won its star, Glenda Jackson, a 'Best Actress' Academy Award.
His historical drama The Devils, starring Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave, sparked huge controversy for its violent, sexual and religious content and found itself banned in many countries. His last directing job was in 2006, when he oversaw the 'Girl with Golden Breasts' segment of horror Trapped Ashes.
More recently Russell took part in Celebrity Big Brother in 2007, but left after four days in the house following arguments with fellow contestant Jade Goody.
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