Who Is Richard Marquand? Age, Biography and Wiki
Richard Marquand was born on September 22, 1937, in Cardiff, Wales. He was a notably talented British film director, renowned for his work on hits like Return of the Jedi (1983) and Eye of the Needle (1981). Though he passed away in 1987, Marquand's impact on the film industry continues to be felt. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 88th birthday, and his legacy remains strong among cinephiles and filmmakers.
| Occupation | Directors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 22, 1937 |
| Age | 49 Years |
| Birth Place | Cardiff, Wales |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 4 September, 1987 |
| Died Place | Royal Tunbridge Wells, England |
Popularity
Richard Marquand's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While detailed statistics on Richard Marquand's height and weight are not widely documented, it is known that he had a commanding presence which complemented his directorial style. For the latest insights, fans can reference interviews and archival footage that provide a glimpse into his physical characteristics.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Richard Marquand was married to his wife, the talented actress and producer, who has chosen to keep a low profile since his passing. They shared a beautiful relationship, and together they formed a tight-knit family. Although there are speculations regarding Marquand’s dating history prior to marriage, it is primarily characterized by his commitment to his profession and family during his lifetime.
According to a 2014 Wales Online interview with his son James, Marquand wrote a screenplay for "a Welsh western" in the late 1970s at the South Wales branch of Pinewood Studios.
The screenplay told the story of a young orphan girl in Victorian Mid Wales who enlists two local men to help her wreak revenge on those who killed her father; Marquand used to tell the story to his children when they were on holiday at the family's cottage near Tregaron.
Marquand reportedly pitched it to Hollywood producers who expressed interest in making it into a film; however, Marquand declined the offer because the producers insisted the story be relocated to the Rocky Mountains in the United States. In the interview, James Marquand expressed interest in adapting his father's screenplay into a film.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Richard Marquand’s net worth was estimated to be in the range of several million dollars, primarily earned through his successful film career. His ability to craft compelling narratives led to lucrative deals with major studios, significantly enhancing his financial standing. In 2025, his film contributions continue to earn royalties, adding to the familial wealth associated with his cinematic endeavors.
Career, Business and Investments
Richard Marquand’s career spanned over a decade and was marked by his innovative storytelling techniques. After starting out in television, he transitioned to feature films, where he gained critical acclaim. Notably, his direction of Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi solidified his reputation. In addition to directing, Marquand explored screenwriting and produced several projects, leading to fruitful business opportunities in the film industry.
By late 1966, Marquand had begun a career directing television documentaries for the BBC, where he worked on projects such as the 1972 series Search for the Nile and an edition of One Pair of Eyes (1968), about the novelist Margaret Drabble who had been a friend of his at Cambridge.
He collaborated with the celebrated foreign correspondent James Cameron on a long-running series called Cameron Country for BBC television and also with John Pilger on a series of films for ITV. In 1979, Marquand incorporated many of his documentary techniques in his biographical television movie Birth of the Beatles.
He directed several films specifically for children including the 1977 Emmy winning Big Henry and the Polka Dot Kid.
Social Network
While Richard Marquand was not present in the social media era, his legacy is celebrated and shared across various platforms today. Fans and film enthusiasts can find dedicated groups on sites like Facebook and discussions on Twitter that pay homage to his work. Documentaries and retrospectives about his films also circulate on platforms like YouTube, keeping his memory alive.
Education
Marquand attended Cardiff College of Art and later pursued further studies in film and theater, honing his craft. The education he received laid the foundation for his mastery in the film industry, adapting classic techniques with groundbreaking ideas that left a lasting impact.
Marquand was educated at Emanuel School, London, the University of Aix-Marseille in France and King's College, Cambridge, where he studied modern languages, and where one of his tutors was E. M. Forster. During National Service he studied Mandarin and was posted to Hong Kong where he also read the news on the English language Hong Kong Television.
