Robert Altman dies - page 2

22-11-2006 12:30

Altman was born in 1925 in Kansas City and served as a bomber pilot in World War II.

He achieved his first big success with the 70s anti-war black comedy 'MASH', starring Alan Alda.

The unconventional director had a distinctive style. He often employed large ensemble casts, encouraged improvisation and filmed scenes that darted from character to character.

Actors were desperate to work with him, even though he often operated on a tiny budget.

'Gosford Park' was his biggest box-office success.

The 1930s drama set on an English estate earned six Oscar nominations in 2002 - including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for both Helen Mirren and Dame Maggie Smith.

Altman won Best Director at the 2002 Golden Globes for the film.

His final film, 'A Prairie Home Companion', starring Meryl Streep and Woody Harrelson, was released earlier this year.

Altman and his wife Kathryn had two sons, Robert and Matthew.

He also had a daughter, Christine, and two other sons, Michael and Stephen, from two previous marriages.