Paul Almond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Almond
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Almond at Victoria Hall in Westmount, Quebec
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| Born | April 26, 1931 |
| Died | April 9, 2015 (aged 83) Malibu, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | |
| Years active | 1955–1992 |
| Spouse(s) |
Joan Harwood Elkins
(m. 1976–2015) |
| Children | 1 |
| Parent(s) | Eric Almond Rene Almond |
Paul Almond OC RCA (April 26, 1931 – April 9, 2015) was a talented Canadian writer, director, and producer for both television and movies. He also became a novelist later in his life. Many people know him best for directing the very first film in the famous Up documentary series.
Contents
Paul Almond's Story
Early Life and Education
Paul Almond was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He went to Bishop's College School and then studied at McGill University. Later, he continued his education at Balliol College, Oxford in England, which is part of University of Oxford. While there, he studied important subjects like Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. He also played for the Oxford University Ice Hockey Club.
His Career in Film and TV
Paul Almond started his career at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). He worked as a director and producer, and he also wrote many scripts for TV shows. He did similar work in England for the BBC and other TV companies.
One of his most important early works was creating the groundbreaking documentary Seven Up!. This film followed a group of British children and revisited them every seven years to see how their lives changed. It became a very famous series.
In the late 1960s, Paul Almond began making feature films. He wanted to create high-quality Canadian art films. He directed three special movies: Isabel (1968), The Act of the Heart (1970), and Journey (1972). His wife at the time, actress Geneviève Bujold, starred in these films. These movies were very important for Canadian cinema.
After a break from filmmaking, Almond directed three more movies: Ups and Downs (1983), Captive Hearts (1987), and The Dance Goes On (1991). His son, Matthew Almond, appeared in The Dance Goes On.
Besides his work in movies, Paul Almond also produced and directed many plays for television. He adapted works by famous authors like Jane Austen and Emily Brontë.
Becoming a Novelist
In his later years, Paul Almond started writing novels. He wrote eight books that are part of a series called the Alford Saga. His last novel, The Inheritor, was published in April 2015. It was a special book that shared parts of his own life story.
Awards and Recognition
Paul Almond received many honors for his work. In 2001, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest awards for people who have made a big difference. In 2007, the Directors Guild of Canada gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award for all his amazing contributions to film and television. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.
Personal Life
Paul Almond was married twice. His first wife was Angela Leigh, a leading dancer with the National Ballet of Canada. He then married actress Geneviève Bujold in 1967, and they had a son named Matthew James Almond in 1968. They were married until 1974. In 1976, he married photographer Joan Harwood Elkins.
Paul Almond had homes in Malibu, California, and also at his family's farm in Shigawake, Quebec. He passed away on April 9, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California, due to heart problems.
Filmography
Paul Almond directed many films throughout his career. Here are some of them:
- Macbeth (1961)
- October Beach (1964)
- Seven Up! (1964)
- Isabel (1968) - This film was very successful and won four awards at the 1968 Canadian Film Awards.
- The Act of the Heart (1970) - This movie won five Canadian Film Awards in 1970, and Paul Almond won for Best Director.
- Journey (1972)
- Every Person Is Guilty (1979)
- Final Assignment (1980)
- Ups and Downs (1983)
- Captive Hearts (1987)
- The Dance Goes On / Le Temps retrouvé (1992)
See also
- List of Bishop's College School alumni
