(February 10, 1941–January 7, 2021     ): Eclectic British filmmaker who took on the job of directing The World Is Not Enough in 1998 and delivered a strong character piece that never allows the slam-bang action to overshadow the story. Easily the best of Pierce Brosnan‘s forays as 007, The World Is Not Enough is filled with little character moments and realistic action that adds dimension to Bond’s adventure. Apted wasn’t afraid to show 007 beaten up and near death at times —something seldom seen in any of the Roger Moore films.

A native of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, Apted made his motion picture directorial debut on the war drama The Triple Echo (1972). His other film credits include Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980), Gorky Park (1983), Gorillas in the Mist (1988), and Enigma (2001). He’s also the documentarian behind the acclaimed Up series, which began with Seven Up! in 1964 and has checked in on a group of British-born subjects every seven years from childhood to retirement age.