Lee Tamahori, the award-winning director known for the James Bond movie *Die Another Day* and the critically acclaimed *Once Were Warriors*, has passed away at the age of 75.
According to a statement from his family given to local broadcaster RNZ, the New Zealand director died peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones. He had been battling Parkinson’s disease.
“His legacy endures with his whānau, his mokopuna, every filmmaker he inspired, every boundary he broke, and every story he told with his genius eye and honest heart,” the statement read.
“A charismatic leader and fierce creative spirit, Lee championed Māori talent both on and off screen. He ultimately returned home to tell stories grounded in whakapapa and identity, with *Mahana* and his latest film *The Convert* reaffirming his deep connection to Aotearoa. We’ve lost an immense creative spirit.”
Born Warren Lee Tamahori in 1950 in Wellington, New Zealand, he was regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest directors and a strong advocate for Māori values and talent.
Tamahori began his journey in the film industry in the late 1970s but rose to prominence with his feature directorial debut, *Once Were Warriors* in 1994. The film is a powerful tragedy exploring the detrimental effects of colonization on Māori communities. It starred Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, and Cliff Curtis, and won numerous awards including the New Zealand Film Award for Best Director, launching Tamahori into mainstream recognition.
Following *Once Were Warriors*, Tamahori directed *Mulholland Falls*, *The Edge*, and *Along Came a Spider* before helming the hit Bond film *Die Another Day*, starring Pierce Brosnan. The movie was a commercial success in Hollywood and marked Brosnan’s final outing as the iconic British MI6 agent.
Over the years, Tamahori directed six more films, leaving behind a diverse and influential body of work.
His contributions to cinema and his commitment to telling authentic Māori stories have left an indelible mark on the film industry. Lee Tamahori’s passion, talent, and dedication to his craft will be remembered and celebrated by filmmakers and audiences alike.
https://deadline.com/2025/11/lee-tamahori-dead-die-another-day-director-75-1236610773/
