Michael Apted, director of The Coal Miner’s Daughter, who died at the age of 79

British director Michael Apted died on Thursday night at the age of 79. Apted was a prolific film director, probably best known for directing Up series, a documentary series about fourteen 7-year-olds. Apted continued to make a new installment about any of the group members who chose to participate every seven years. The series began in 1964 and continued until 2019, when the subjects of the film were 63. Apted was also famous for directing The daughter of the coal miner, Gorillas in the fog and Gorky Park, among many other films. “A fearless visionary as director and unrivaled guild leader, Michael saw the trajectory of things when others did not see him and we have all benefited from his wisdom and dedication throughout his life,” said Thomas Schlamme, head of the Guild of Directors of America, where Apted has been president for six years. The cause of Apted’s death is not yet known.