David Leland, ‘Wish You Were Here,’ ‘Band of Brothers’ and ‘Concert for George’ Filmmaker, Dies at 82

Naman Ramachandran
·3 min read
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David Leland, the British writer, director and actor whose credits include “Wish You Were Here,” “The Borgias” and more, died on Dec. 24, according to his agents Casarotto Ramsay & Associates. He was 82. A cause of death was not revealed.

Leland cut his teeth in theater, where he directed the world premiere of Michael Palin and Terry Jones’ “Their Finest Hours” and gave Pierce Brosnan his first opportunity to act on stage in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ “The Red Devil Battery Sign.”

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A distinguished film and TV screenwriting career followed, including “Made in Britain” (1982) directed by Alan Clarke and starring Tim Roth; “Birth of a Nation” (1983) by Mike Newell; and Neil Jordan’s Oscar, Golden Globe and WGA-nominated “Mona Lisa” (1986), featuring a BAFTA-winning performance by Bob Hoskins.

Leland made his directorial debut with “Wish You Were Here” (1987), which won him the BAFTA for best original screenplay, and the film also won the Fipresci prize at Cannes. His film credits also include “The Big Man” (1990) starring Liam Neeson, and “Land Girls” (1998) starring Rachel Weisz.

A close friend of George Harrison, Leland directed “Checking Out” (1988), starring Jeff Daniels, which Harrison produced through HandMade Films, and several Traveling Wilburys music videos. He also directed the music video for Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” with Harrison and Ringo Starr appearing, and Paul McCartney’s “Brown Eyed Handsome Man.” Following Harrison’s death Leland directed the documentary “Concert For George” (2003), a memorial concert featuring the remaining Beatles McCartney and Starr, as well as Eric Clapton and Petty. Leland won a Grammy for the documentary.

Leland returned to the theater in 1991 to direct the stage musical “A Tribute to the Blues Brothers,” which played at London’s West End.

Highlights of Leland’s TV work include directing the episode “Bastogne” for HBO miniseries, “Band of Brothers” (2001), receiving an Emmy Award for his direction, and as director and writer on Showtime’s “The Borgias,” starring Jeremy Irons. Leland returned as joint showrunner for the second season.

Tributes have been pouring in for Leland.

“David Leland holds a mighty place in my heart. He gave me my break as an actor in Tennessee Williams’ play ‘The Red Devil Battery Sign.’ I was just out of Drama Center where David was also an alumni. It was the thrill of my young lifetime to be cast as McCabe, working with David and Tennessee. David will forever be an essential part of my story and of all who knew and loved him,” wrote Brosnan.

Tim Roth added, “David was there at the very beginning of this crazy adventure. He changed my life, and I love him for it. I’ll keep him with me always.”

Liam Neeson said, “David was a dream to work with. He was a real collaborator; he genuinely loved and admired actors. We formed a close bond. I loved his mischievous sense of humor. You are always in my heart old friend. See you down the road.”

Terry Gilliam said, “The loss of David is very sad. As a friend, and as a writer-director, he was always solidly grounded… invariably sensitive and ruthlessly honest. His 1987 film, ‘Wish You Were Here,’ is still one of my all-time favorite British films.”

Leland is survived by his wife, Sabrina, his four daughters, his son and his six grandchildren.

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