Peter Medak, director of The Changeling and The Krays, dies at 88

Peter Medak, a Hungarian-born director and actor, passed away at the age of 88 in Los Angeles, Variety reported. He was best known for directing films such as The Changeling, The Krays, and The Ruling Class over a career spanning six decades.

Medak directed 27 feature films, working across genres including psychological horror, black comedy, and crime dramas, according to Variety. His 1980 supernatural thriller The Changeling won eight Genie Awards including best motion picture, while The Krays earned him the Evening Standard Award for best director.

Born in Budapest in 1937, Medak fled Hungary during the 1956 revolution after facing restrictions under the Communist regime. He began his career in the British film industry before moving to Hollywood, where he made his feature directorial debut with 1968’s Negatives.

In addition to his film work, Medak directed episodes of several notable television series such as Breaking Bad, The Wire, Homicide: Life on the Street, and others, Hollywood Reporter noted. His film The Ruling Class earned Peter O’Toole an Oscar nomination and competed at Cannes.

Medak’s work has been admired by prominent filmmakers including Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, Hollywood Reporter added. His diverse career left a significant mark on both film and television.

Peter Medak’s death was confirmed by his family, Deadline reported, marking the loss of a respected and versatile director.

What we’re watching: The ongoing recognition and retrospectives of Medak’s influential films in cinema history and television.