The film industry mourns the loss of acclaimed director Lee Tamahori, who has passed away at the age of 75 after a prolonged battle with Parkinson's disease.
The New Zealand-born Hollywood stalwart's death was confirmed by entertainment outlet TMZ, though specific details regarding the circumstances remain private.
From Bond Films to Critical Acclaim
Tamahori achieved international recognition for directing the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day, featuring Pierce Brosnan as 007 and Halle Berry as Jinx Johnson.
The high-octane spy thriller depicted Bond's capture by North Korean agents, followed by a brutal prison sentence and his subsequent mission to uncover the traitor within his own organisation who betrayed him.
A Landmark Debut in New Zealand Cinema
Long before his Bond venture, Tamahori made an extraordinary feature directorial debut with Once Were Warriors in 1994.
The powerful drama became both a critical triumph and commercial success, earning recognition as one of the greatest films ever produced in New Zealand and establishing Tamahori as a formidable talent in global cinema.
Throughout his career, Tamahori navigated between blockbuster Hollywood productions and meaningful storytelling that reflected his cultural heritage, leaving behind a diverse and impactful body of work.
