Alvin Rakoff is a highly accomplished and prolific director, having helmed over 100 television, film, and stage productions throughout his illustrious career, which now spans a remarkable 10 decades and continues to be marked by his unwavering dedication and creative output.
Throughout his distinguished career, Rakoff has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the world's most esteemed and talented performers, including the likes of Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Peter Sellers, Judi Dench, Donald Pleasance, Henry Fonda, and Richard Harris, to name but a few.
Notably, Rakoff has also played a crucial role in nurturing the careers of several notable actors, including Sean Connery, who received his first leading role under Rakoff's direction, as well as Alan Rickman, Michael Crawford, Simon Russell Beale, and Michael Caine, all of whom he gave their first professional jobs.
In addition to his work as a director, Rakoff is also a skilled producer, responsible for much of his screen and stage work, and a prolific writer, having penned original screenplays, adaptations, theatre musicals, plays, and three novels, including his debut novel, & Gillian, which was translated into ten languages.
Born in Canada, Rakoff's early days as a journalist helped him earn a degree from the University of Toronto, after which he was seconded by CBC to visit the BBC in London in 1952. He has since made London his home.
Rakoff has been married twice, first to the late actress Jacqueline Hill, with whom he had two children, Dr. Sasha Rakoff and John D. Rakoff, a film producer, and is now married to Sally Hughes, MD of The Mill at Sonning Theatre.
Currently, Rakoff is working on the first volume of his memoirs, scheduled for publication in 2021.
