Anthony Minghella facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anthony Minghella CBE
Minghella in 2004
Born	(1954-01-06)6 January 1954 Ryde, Isle of Wight, England
Died	18 March 2008(2008-03-18) (aged 54) London, England
Alma mater	University of Hull
Occupation	Playwright director screenwriter
Years active	1975–2008
Spouse(s)	Yvonne Miller (div.) Carolyn Choa ​ (m. 1985)​
Children	2, including Max
Relatives	Dominic Minghella (brother)

Anthony Minghella (born 6 January 1954 – died 18 March 2008) was a famous British film director, writer, and playwright. He was known for making movies, writing plays, and creating TV shows.

He won an Academy Award for Best Director for his movie The English Patient in 1996. This is one of the highest awards a director can get! He was also nominated for other Academy Awards for his writing and for producing films.

Early Life and Education

Anthony Minghella was born in Ryde, a town on the Isle of Wight. This island is a popular place for holidays in England. His family was well-known there. They ran a café and made delicious Italian-style ice cream for many years.

His parents were Edoardo Minghella, who came from Italy, and Gloria Alberta. Anthony was one of five children. His brother, Dominic Minghella, also became a successful writer and producer for TV.

Anthony went to school on the Isle of Wight and later in Portsmouth. When he was younger, he was interested in music. He played keyboards in local bands.

He then went to the University of Hull to study drama. He even had a music contract when he started university! After graduating, he taught at the university for a few years. He studied famous writers like Samuel Beckett and learned about old plays. Later, he left teaching to work for the BBC, a big TV company in the UK.

Anthony Minghella's Career

Anthony Minghella started his career in television. He worked on children's shows like Grange Hill and The Storyteller. He also wrote episodes for popular detective shows like Inspector Morse.

His play Whale Music (1985) helped him become more famous. He also directed his first feature film, A Little Like Drowning, in 1978.

Breakthrough in Film

In 1990, he wrote and directed a film called Truly, Madly, Deeply. This movie was so good that it went straight to cinemas instead of just being shown on TV.

His biggest success came with The English Patient in 1996. This movie won him the Academy Award for Best Director. He was also nominated for his writing for this film.

He continued to make successful movies. He received another Academy Award nomination for writing The Talented Mr. Ripley in 1999.

Later Works and Other Projects

Anthony Minghella also directed an opera called Madama Butterfly by Puccini. It was shown in London, Lithuania, and New York. This opera was even shown live in cinemas around the world!

He also worked on a TV pilot for The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. This show was broadcast after he passed away.

He made a short film for the Labour Party in 2005. He also appeared in the 2007 film Atonement as a TV host.

His last work was writing the screenplay for the movie Nine, which was based on a musical. This movie was released after his death.

The Film, Theatre & Television department at the University of Reading was named in his honor in 2012.

Personal Life

Anthony Minghella had two children. His daughter, Hannah, works in film production. His son, Max Minghella, is an actor, writer, and director. Max is well-known for his role in the TV series The Handmaid's Tale.

Anthony's brother, Dominic Minghella, created popular British TV shows like Robin Hood and Doc Martin. His sister, Loretta Minghella, is also a well-known figure in charity work.

Anthony was a big fan of the Portsmouth F.C. football team. He even had two rooms in his house filled with team memorabilia!

Anthony Minghella died on 18 March 2008 in London. He passed away after an operation for a health problem.

Memorials

A special memorial plaque for Anthony Minghella was put up in Ryde, Isle of Wight, in 2016. The actor Jude Law helped unveil it.

Another plaque was placed in Kingston upon Hull. The 2009 film Nine was dedicated to his memory.

Filmography

Producer only

Acting Roles

Selected Plays

• Whale Music (1981)
• Two Planks and a Passion (1984)
• A Little Like Drowning (1984)
• Made in Bangkok (1986)
• Hang Up (radio play, 1987)
• Cigarettes and Chocolate (radio play, 1988)
• Eyes Down Looking (radio play, 2006)

Awards and Recognition

Anthony Minghella won many awards for his work in film and theatre.

• 1988 Giles Cooper Award for the radio play Cigarettes and Chocolate
• 1997 Broadcast Film Critics Association Award – Best Director and Best Screenplay for The English Patient
• 1997 Directors Guild of America Award – Outstanding Achievement in Motion Pictures for The English Patient
• 1999 National Board of Review Award – Best Director for The Talented Mr. Ripley
• 2003 National Board of Review Award – Best Adapted Screenplay for Cold Mountain
• 2006 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Opera Production for Madama Butterfly

Oscar-Winning Performances in His Films

Anthony Minghella directed actors who won or were nominated for Academy Awards.

Images for kids

• 

  Minghella in 2004

See also

In Spanish: Anthony Minghella para niños