Richard Lester
Biography
Richard Lester was a film director born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, on January 19, 1932. He died on March 25, 2006, at the age of seventy-four. Known for his directing work, he amassed forty-four known credits. His notable directorial work includes the films A Hard Day's Night, The Three Musketeers, and The Three Musketeers 2. In contrast to previous musical films by Elvis Presley or Cliff Richard, his work with the Beatles in the 1960s featured a typical surrealistic humor laced with irony, and he helped bring the band out into the world.
Career overview
Richard Lester was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 19, 1932, and later became a British-based film director. His known work in the film industry includes a total of forty-four known credits on the Movie Database, with his directing career earning notable recognition. He became particularly well known for his work with the musical group The Beatles during the 1960s, helping the band reach an international audience, and for his work on the Superman film series during the 1980s.
Unlike previous musical films featuring artists such as Elvis Presley or Cliff Richard, Lester utilized a distinct style for his two Beatles films that featured a typical surrealistic humor laced with irony. Among his recognized projects is the film A Hard Day's Night, which contained elements of this signature style. His filmography also includes the films The Three Musketeers and The Three Musketeers 2, contributing to a body of work that established his reputation in cinema.
Throughout his life and career, Lester was associated with a variety of notable cinematic projects until his death on March 25, 2006, at the age of seventy-four. His background ranged from early studio work to directing prominent feature films that defined specific eras of popular culture, cementing his status as a notable figure in film history through his contributions to both music-driven cinema and major franchise filmmaking.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
53 titles- The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (2016) as Self
- Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace (2014) as Self - Director
- THE BEATLES in HELP! (2007) as Self
- Filmmakers in Action (2006) as Self
- Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and 'Dr. Strangelove' (2004) as Self
- Things They Said Today (2002) as Self
- The Unknown Peter Sellers (2000) as Self
- Richard Lester! (1998)
- Spike (1996) as Self
- The Beatles Anthology (1995) as Self (archive footage)
- You Can't Do That! The Making of 'A Hard Day's Night' (1995) as Self
- Hollywood U.K.: British Cinema in the Sixties (1993) as Self - Presenter
- Paul McCartney's Get Back (1991) Director
- The Return of the Musketeers (1989) Director
- A Turnip Head's Guide To The British Cinema (1986) as Self
- The Making of 'Superman III' (1985) as Self
- Finders Keepers (1984) Director
- Finders Keepers (1984) Executive Producer
- Superman III (1983) Director
- The Making of 'Superman II' (1983) as Self
- Superman II (1980) Director
- Cuba (1979) Director
- Butch and Sundance: The Early Days (1979) as Man Watching Hearse Pass by (uncredited)
- Butch and Sundance: The Early Days (1979) Director
- Robin and Marian (1976) Director
- The Ritz (1976) Director
- Royal Flash (1975) Director
- La route (1975)
- The Four Musketeers (1974) Director
- Juggernaut (1974) Director
- The Three Musketeers (1973) Director
- Film '72 (1971) as Self
- The Bed Sitting Room (1969) Director
- The Bed Sitting Room (1969) Producer
- Petulia (1968) Director
- Petulia: The Uncommon Movie (1968) as Himself
- How I Won the War (1967) Director
- How I Won the War (1967) Producer
- A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966) Director
- The Knack... and How to Get It (1965) Director
- Help! (1965) Director
- A Hard Day's Night (1964) Director
- The Mouse on the Moon (1963) Director
- It's Trad, Dad! (1962) Director
- Mildred (1960) Script
- The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film (1959)
- The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film (1959) Director
- The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film (1959) Cinematography
- The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film (1959) Writer
- The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film (1959) Music
- The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film (1959) Editor
- The Idiot Weekly, Price 2d (1956) Director
- A Show Called Fred (1956) Director
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Richard Lester best known for?
Richard Lester is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Filmmakers in Action (2006), The Beatles Anthology (1995), The Return of the Musketeers (1989), Superman III (1983).
When and where was Richard Lester born?
Richard Lester was born on January 19, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.. They passed away on March 25, 2006.
How many credits does Richard Lester have?
Richard Lester has accumulated over 53 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 2016.
What is Richard Lester's background in cinema and television?
Richard Lester was a film director born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, on January 19, 1932. He died on March 25, 2006, at the age of seventy-four. Known for his directing work, he amassed forty-four known credits. His notable directorial work includes the films A Hard Day's Night, The Three Musketeers, a...