David Leland: Pierce Brosnan pays tribute to the director after his death at the age of 82

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Film, theater and television director and writer David Leland has died at the age of 82, his agent confirmed.

Leland won an Emmy for an episode of the TV miniseries Band of Brothers which he directed and a Bafta for 1987's Wish You Were Here - perhaps his most successful film better known.

He also nurtured the talents of Michael Palin, Victoria Wood and Terry Jones early in their careers.

James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has paid tribute to Leland, saying the director "holds a big place in my heart."

"He gave me my break as an actor in Tennessee Williams' play, The Red Devil Battery Sign," Brosnan recalls.

"I had just come out of the Drama Center [London], where David was also a former student. It was the pleasure of my young life to play the role of McCabe, in working with David and Tennessee.

"David will forever be an essential part of my story and of all those who knew and loved him."

Leland enjoyed a successful career as a screenwriter, including the 1982 cult classic Made in Britain, which starred Ti...