Pierce Brosnan has led tributes to Band of Brothers director David Leland who has died aged 82.
The BAFTA-winning actor and director who wrote films such as Personal Services and Wish You Were Here passed away on Christmas Eve surrounded by his family.
Mr Leland also directed an Emmy-winning episode of Band of Brothers.
James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has led tributes to the director.
He said: "David Leland holds a mighty place in my heart.
"He gave me my break as an actor in Tennessee Williams' play The Red Devil Battery Sign.
"I was just out of Drama Centre [London] where David was also an alumni. It was the thrill of my young lifetime to be cast as McCabe, working with David and Tennessee.
"David will forever be an essential part of my story and of all who knew and loved him."
Mr Leland originally trained as an actor at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
He then co-formed the Drama Centre London before moving to the Crucible Theatre for stage management.
The actor also worked with Monty Python stars Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam and directed Victoria Wood’s first play, Talent. He was also a close friend of Beatles guitarist George Harrison.
He also directed The Big Man starring Liam Neeson and 1998 blockbuster Land Girls with Rachel Weisz and Anna Friel.
Liam Neeson said: "David was a dream to work with. He was a real collaborator; he genuinely loved and admired actors.
"We formed a close bond. I loved his mischievous sense of humour. You are always in my heart old friend. See you down the road.”
While Terry Gilliam said: "The loss of David is very sad. As a friend, and as a writer/director, he was always solidly grounded… invariably sensitive and ruthlessly honest.
"His 1987 film, Wish You Were Here, is still one of my all-time favourite British films.”
He is survived by his wife Sabrina, his four daughters and six grandchildren "all of whom he loved almost as much as Arsenal Football Club".
