John Irvin

Photo of John Irvin

Biography

Irvin began his career as an assistant director with British Transport Films. After shooting shorts and documentaries for a number of years and working extensively for English TV, Irvin broke through to American audience with the serialized adaptation of John le Carre's George Smiley novel, "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" (1980). Thereafter, Irvin directed his first feature, "Dogs of War" a hot-headed (and some thought, racist) depiction of a …
Read More »

Job Title

Actor, Director, Other

Born

May 7, 1940

Career Milestones

Began career as apprentice editor at Rank Studios

1963

Directed first documentary (also scripted), "Gala Day", on a grant from BFI

1977

First directed for TV, "Possessions" segment of program, "Childhood" for PBS's "Great Performances"

1979

Directed TV miniseries, "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"

1980

Directed first fictional feature, "The Dogs of War"

1987

Helmed the war-themed "Hamburger Hill"

1991

Returned to TV at the helm of "Robin Hood", starring Patrick Bergin

1998

Helmed the HBO movie "When Trumpets Fade"

1999

Directed what was purportedly one of the most expensive TV miniseries ever made, "Noah's Ark" (NBC), starring John Voight

2002

Helmed the thriller "The Fourth Angel"

2005

Directed the musical comedy "The Boys and Girl from County Clare"

Awards

1967

BAFTA Award for Short Film in Mafia No!