John Irvin: key obituary facts
Is John Irvin dead? Yes. John Irvin died on August 11, 2026, at age 86.
Cause of death: John Irvin's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was John Irvin known for?
He was a British film- and tv-director.
More about John Irvin
Born: 7 May 1940.
Place of birth: Newcastle upon Tyne.
Gender: male.
Occupation: film director, television director, screenwriter, director, writer.
Nationality: United Kingdom.
Education: London Film School.
Notable work: A Month by the Lake.
Occupations: Film director, television director.
Years active: 1963–2016.
John Irvin, the English filmmaker behind The Dogs of War, Hamburger Hill and the BBC adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, died on August 11, 2026, aged 86.
A three-time BAFTA Award nominee, he began his career with documentaries and television work before moving into feature films, including Ghost Story (1981) and Raw Deal (1986). Born in Newcastle upon Tyne on May 7, 1940, Irvin studied at the London Film School and went on to work as both a film and television director over a career that spanned more than five decades.