The film world is mourning the loss of acclaimed director Lee Tamahori, who has passed away at the age of 75 following a period living with Parkinson's Disease.
A Legacy in Filmmaking
The New Zealand-born filmmaker was best known for directing the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day, which featured Pierce Brosnan as the iconic spy 007 and included a soundtrack led by Madonna. The blockbuster also starred Halle Berry and remains a significant entry in the Bond franchise.
Family's Heartfelt Tribute
In an emotional statement, Tamahori's family remembered him as a charismatic leader and fierce creative spirit who championed Māori talent both on and off screen. They highlighted that his legacy endures with his whānau (family), his mokopuna (grandchildren), every filmmaker he inspired, every boundary he broke, and every story he told with his genius eye and honest heart.
The family noted that Tamahori ultimately returned home to tell stories grounded in whakapapa (genealogy) and identity, with works like Mahana and his latest film The Convert reaffirming his deep connection to Aotearoa (New Zealand). They described the loss as that of an immense creative spirit.
Enduring Impact
Though Die Another Day remains his most internationally recognised work, released over twenty years ago in 2002, Tamahori's career spanned decades and included significant contributions to both Hollywood cinema and New Zealand's film industry. His passing marks the end of an era for Bond enthusiasts and the wider film community.
Tamahori's battle with Parkinson's Disease preceded his death at 75, closing a remarkable career that broke new ground for Māori representation in global cinema.
