Best known for helming 007 installment Die Another Day, director Lee Tamahori has died aged 75 after living with Parkinson’s.
Director Lee Tamahori has died aged 75.
The celebrated New Zealand filmmaker is best known for helming the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day, but his work also spanned gritty homegrown drama as well as Hollywood spectacle.
His family confirmed he died peacefully at home after living with Parkinson’s disease.
In a statement, they said: “His legacy endures with his whānau, his mokopuna, every filmmaker he inspired, every boundary he broke, and every story he told with his genius eye and honest heart. A charismatic leader and fierce creative spirit, Lee championed Māori talent both on and off screen.
“He ultimately returned home to tell stories grounded in whakapapa and identity, with Mahana and his latest film The Convert, reaffirming his deep connection to Aotearoa. We’ve lost an immense creative spirit.”
Lee’s 007 film was the 20th in the spy franchise and starred Pierce Brosnan, then 49, in his final appearance as the secret Singer Madonna, then 44, performed the movie’s theme song and made a cameo appearance ion the film.
Despite mixed reviews and ongoing debate among Bond fans, the film grossed $432 million worldwide, becoming the sixth highest-grossing film of that year.
Lee gained international acclaim with his debut feature Once Were Warriors (1994), an unflinching portrayal of Māori family life based on Alan Duff’s novel.
The film became a landmark in New Zealand cinema, winning multiple awards including Best Director at the New Zealand Film Awards, and was widely praised for its powerful storytelling and performances.
Beyond Bond, Lee’s career in Hollywood included directing Along Came a Spider (2001), starring Morgan Freeman and Jay O. Sanders.
He later returned to New Zealand to direct The Convert (2023), featuring Guy Pearce, a historical drama set in colonial Aotearoa.
His final project, the forthcoming action epic Emperor, stars Adrien Brody, Sophie Cookson and Paz Vega, and tells the story of Johanna of Ghent’s revenge against the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.
Tributes poured in across social media after news of Lee’s death broke.
Makers of the Really, 007! podcast wrote on X: “Such sad news – a unique and visionary director with a strong body of work. “#DieAnotherDay divides opinion amongst Bond fans but is so much fun and is having a renaissance. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
One fan posted: “Saddened to see Lee Tamahori has passed away at 75. He gave us the insanely entertaining ride that is Die Another Day, and we’ll always have that. RIP Sir.”
Another added: “RIP Lee Tamahori. Once Were Warriors – one of the most important movies in NZ history.”
James Bond director Lee Tamahori dead aged 75
