Born in 1934 in Lancashire, England, he was an accomplished actor and screenwriter. Initially a teacher, he transitioned to acting, gaining recognition for his role in the TV series "Z-Cars." He achieved cinematic success in "Kes" and "Straw Dogs." His screenwriting prowess earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay with "Chariots of Fire" in 1982. Known for his passionate advocacy of British cinema, he famously proclaimed, "The British are coming!" at the Oscars. He passed away in 2015.