March 18, 2008: Oscar-winning film director Anthony Minghella died of a brain hemorrhage while recovering from surgery for cancer of the neck and tonsils, according to reports and a statement by his agent, Judy Daish. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who appeared with his successor, Gordon Brown, in a 2005 Labour Party broadcast directed by Minghella, said Minghella was a "wonderful human being." He was 54.

• 1990: Truly, Madly, Deeply
• 1996: Best Director Oscar for
  • The English Patient
• 1999: The Talented Mr. Ripley
• 2003: Cold Mountain
• 2006: Breaking and Entering

1. Tony Blair: "I am really shocked and very sad. Anthony Minghella was a wonderful human being, creative and brilliant, but still humble, gentle and a joy to be with. Whatever I did with him, personally or professionally, left me with complete admiration for him, as a character and as an artist of the highest calibre."
2. Jude Law: "He made work feel like fun. He was a sweet, warm, bright and funny man who was interested in everything from football to opera, films, music, literature, people and, most of all, his family whom he adored and to whom I send my thoughts and love. I shall miss him hugely."