Alvin Rakoff, Canadian Director of Laurence Olivier Starrer ‘A Voyage Round My Father,’ Dies at 97

As a fan who has had the pleasure of witnessing the extraordinary career of Alvin Rakoff, I can confidently say that his life was nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. Born into poverty during the Great Depression, he rose through the ranks to become one of Canada’s most influential directors, producers, and writers.

As a film enthusiast, I’m saddened to share that the esteemed Canadian filmmaker, Alvin Rakoff, has passed away at the venerable age of 97. Known for his work directing the legendary Laurence Olivier in “A Voyage Round My Father,” Rakoff left an indelible mark on cinema.

The reason for his passing was “natural causes,” as reported by his representative to EbMaster. He breathed his last on October 12 at home, with his loved ones by his side.

Throughout a career lasting over four decades, starting when color TV was yet uncommon, Rakoff participated in over a hundred TV, movie, and stage performances, along with authoring novels. As per his representatives, he continued to work well into his 90s.

Born in Toronto in 1927, Rakoff was one of seven siblings to Sam and Pearl Rakoff. Despite the fact that their parents ran a dry goods store, they struggled financially after the Great Depression began in 1929. This hardship would be depicted in his novel “Baldwin Street” which he wrote later on.

At six years old, he attended his initial movie screening in a theater, sparking his passion for films and television. He later earned a psychology degree from the University of Toronto, transitioning into journalism. However, witnessing Marlon Brando perform in Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” on stage marked a turning point in his life. Leaving the play, Rakoff pledged to pursue a career in show business.

At age 25, I embarked on a career with the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC), where my journey led me to the United Kingdom. There, I wrote a script that was bought by the BBC, making it the first television broadcast in the country at that time. Subsequently, I enrolled in the BBC’s director training program and, surprisingly for my age, became the youngest producer/director the following year. Over the years, I directed numerous dramas including “Waiting for Gillian” (1954) and “Requiem for a Heavyweight” (1957), featuring then-unknown actors Sean Connery in his first leading role and Michael Caine in a minor part.

Later on, it was Rakoff who suggested Connery for the Bond role, following a request from 007 producer Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli, who had asked for his thoughts on the matter.

Rakoff, who had previously held the position as president of the Directors Guild, received Emmy accolades for two productions: “Call Me Daddy” (1967) featuring Donald Pleasance and Judy Cornwell, and “A Voyage Round My Father,” which he both produced and directed.

Throughout the span of his professional life, Rakoff collaborated with numerous renowned figures such as Peter Cushing, Henry Fonda, Michael Gambon, Ava Gardner, John Gielgud, Elliott Gould, Richard Harris, and Angela Lansbury, to name just a few of many others.

Notable individuals who have honored the director include Stephen Fry, who expressed: “Alvin Rakoff was a colossal figure in cinema, theater, and television. His keen eye for discovering and nurturing talent brought some of the 20th century’s most brilliant stars to light. Remarkably, he was still working on a screenplay until his very last moments.

Judi Dench shared: “Alvin was a truly special individual for me, as I recall our times working together on set and running into him at The Mill. He had an incredibly charming personality.

Rakoff is mourned by his spouse of three decades, Sally Hughes, as well as his two children from his previous marriage to the deceased Jacqueline Hill, five grandkids, and his sibling Lorraine.

2024-10-17 14:48

Alvin Rakoff, Canadian Director of Laurence Olivier Starrer ‘A Voyage Round My Father,’ Dies at 97

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