Genius Miller, 84, dies after dementia battle
Jonathan Miller Director and humourist BORN JULY 21, 1934 – DIED NOVEMBER 27, 2019, AGED 85
BRITISH satirist and director Sir Jonathan Miller died yesterday aged 85.
In a statement, his family said his death following a long battle with Alzheimer’s will leave “a huge hole in our lives”.
Described as “a true polymath”, his career spanned more than 50 years after he first found fame in the early 1960s with the comedy revue Beyond The Fringe with Peter Cook, Dudley Moore and Sir Alan Bennett. As well as directing award-winning theatre, TV plays and opera, he was also an acclaimed author, writing books on subjects ranging from Freud to acting.
Sir Jonathan was artistic director of the Old Vic for three years until 1990 and was knighted in 2002 for services to music and the arts. He was also president of the Alzheimer’s Society from 1984 until his retirement around 20 years ago.
His family said last night: “Our father died this morning peacefully at home with his family around him following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was 85 and leaves his wife Rachel and children Tom,William and Kate.
“His death is a great loss and will leave a huge hole in our lives.”
Born in London in 1934, Miller studied medicine at Cambridge.
He gave up a career as a doctor when he was catapulted to stardom in Beyond the Fringe.
The groundbreaking satire premiered at the 1960 Edinburgh Festival.
Monty Python star Eric Idle led tributes yesterday, describing Miller as a “beloved hilarious genius who dramatically changed my life”.
Tony Hall, director-general of the BBC, said Miller was “a creative genius whose imagination knew no bounds”.
Jeremy Hughes, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society, added: “He helped make great strides in raising awareness of dementia.”