Douglas Hickox, a renowned English film director, was born on January 10, 1929, in London, where he received his education at Emanuel School. He began his career in the film industry as an assistant director and second unit director, working extensively throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. Hickox's first major picture was released in 1970, and over the next decade, he developed a reputation for his witty and stylish direction, as well as his ability to craft taut action sequences.
Throughout his career, Hickox directed a range of films, including Les Bicyclettes de Belsize (1968),Entertaining Mr Sloane (1969),Theatre of Blood (1973),and Zulu Dawn (1979). His work showcased his versatility as a director, as he tackled various genres and styles with ease.
In his personal life, Hickox was married to Anne V. Coates, a renowned film editor who won an Academy Award for her work on Lawrence of Arabia. After his passing in 1988, his second wife, Annabel, approached the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) with an annual bequest from his estate. This bequest led to the creation of the British Independent Film Awards, and in recognition of Hickox's commitment to supporting new talent, BIFA established the Douglas Hickox Award, which is presented to a British director on their debut feature.
Hickox's sons, Anthony Hickox and James D.R. Hickox, are also film directors. Anthony Hickox is perhaps best known for his work on Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992),while James D.R. Hickox was an executive producer on Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995). Hickox's daughter, Emma, is a film editor who has worked on a range of films, including The Jacket, Kinky Boots, Blood and Chocolate, Blue Crush, Becoming Jane, and A Walk to Remember.
Throughout his career, Douglas Hickox was recognized for his contributions to the film industry, and his legacy continues to be celebrated through the work of his family members and the awards established in his honor.
