Anthony Minghella Passes Away at 54.

Dear friends,
Today is such a sad day for Bill and I. Anthony Minghella has just passed away at age 54. We are still trying to process such an unexpected news. This man was an amazing Artist, he was a terrific father, husband, son and a wonderful human being. When Bill and I got married in our very low-key ceremony Anthony was one of our 4 friends who attended the event. Bill worked with him as a Producer in two of his most beautiful movies: The Talented Mister Ripley and Cold Mountain. Anthony was the very first Film Director that I had the privilege to met when I first moved to the USA and he had such a big impact in me. He realized that my English was limited, I had a hard time communicating my ideas but he always made me feel so special, he used to call me Wonderful Elsita and he gave me big hugs. During the filming of Cold Mountain in Romania I observed him work for hours and I will never forget how sensitive and positive he was all the time with each member of the crew.

It is really hard to think about the fact that we won't see Anthony anymore. My heart is right now with his family. Today they are experiencing one of the most painful days of their lives. The phone hasn't stopped ringing, so many people cared about him, we are all shocked by the news of his death. I want to dedicate this post to him and say: Wonderful Anthony, thank you so much for everything, you are one of the most special people that I ever met and you will always have an important place in our hearts. WE LOVE YOU.
Elsita and Bill.

Here is Anthony with his sweet signature smile the day when Bill and I got married.

Anthony working with Nicole Kidman in one of the locations of Cold Mountain.

This is Caroline, Anthony's wife who has always been one of his biggest supporters.

These are Anthony's parents, they appear in the movie Cold Mountain for a second, that's what a sweet son he was. Anthony always found a way to include his parents in each one of his movies. (The girl behind them is me).

On the right you see Max Minghella (Anthony's son) and Miro all dressed up as young soldiers in one of the sets of Cold Mountain. Max is now a professional Actor, he has appeared in different movies, Anthony was very proud of him.

I took this photo of Anthony in 2002 and this is the way I want to remember him; positive, energetic and always celebrating life.

Comments

[Du Buh Du Designs (Dolls)]

I am so sorry to hear of your friend's unexpected passing. I saw the news on CNN and its so hard to see young, talented energetic people pass away so quickly leaving family behind. Never mind the fact that we all have our time that we must leave~ it is still shocking and sad. Sending positive thoughts to you and his family.
~Christine

[Cara]

I'm so sorry to hear of you losing a friend and a family losing a father, husband and son. It's so very sad.

[Leigh]

The passing of this great artist is so sad. I am sorry for the loss of your friend. It is wonderful to know that he was as nice as he was talented. I will now remember Anthony the way you wrote about him. Thank you for sharing your friendship.

[Margaret Oomen]

My heart goes out to you , Bill and Anthony's family. Although I really know little about him other than the legacy of amazing movies he has made I know that if he is a close friend of yours he must be a very special person. I read in the article that he had surgery for cancer of the tonsils and neck and died from complications of this operation. It is good that you have your mom there to help you through these difficult days.

[Leigh]

The passing of this great artist is so sad. I am sorry for the loss of your friend. It is wonderful to know that he was as nice as he was talented. I will now remember Anthony the way you wrote about him. Thank you for sharing your friendship.

[Lois Collins]

I'm so sorry to hear about Anthony Elsita. He sounded like an amazing man and great friend.I love all his films and will now think of him as you described. Big hugs to you and your family, xxx

[Kirsten (aka knitsteel)]

I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend and such a talented man.

[Amy]

Elsita, my heart hurts for you and your Bill, these unexpected heart brakes are really the very worst in life. He was so young still, I am so sorry. He left so much behind, for us all. And, we all can still enjoy his life and what he did with his most beautiful life here.

A BIG HUG TO YOU & BILL , amy

[Mim]

I must tell you how I love your blog.

I came here drawn by your art. I love the stories you share about your children. I am enthralled by your life story. I am warmed by your relationship with your mother. I can feel the love and respect you have for your husband.

But one of the most interesting things has been how you make the whole "Hollywood" thing so real. So down to earth. So human. This story does exactly that. I knew Anthony Minghella as a writer/director of well-done sweeping movies. You have made him a real person with a loving family and close friends. May he rest in peace.

Sorry for your loss. Please keep sharing your amazing life with us. ((hugs))

[rochambeau]

I'm sorry Elsita. From you post it is evident that Anthony exuded light and beauty. What a loss! Will be sending his wife, family, you and friends healing thoughts and prayers.

Constance

[mary]

I was so sad when i heard this on the radio here in Australia and straight away I thought of you. I felt you would know him but of course did not realise you knew him so well.

I am so sorry for your loss. That last photo is so so happy - I am glad you have it.

[Yuri]

Oh no.. I cannot believe it! I'm a total fan of his!!! I had no idea you knew him, otherwise I would have asked you to send him my admiration! His movies have such great quality! So unfair someone so talented must leave us so early, so we won't be able to enjoy his great art!! I'm sorry for your loss and I hope his family will one day be able to keep moving forward, though I am sure it will take a long time. Is impossible to forget but you will at least be able to look back and be glad you got to know him and share beautiful memories with him, como tu boda. Mucho ánimo Elsita, sé fuerte.

[Yuri]

Elsita, I cannot move on.. desde que leí este post, he mirado varias webs, estoy en estado de shock. No porque conociera a mi admirado Anthony Minghella pero por la gran pérdida. Sólo él ha conseguido emocionarme con su representación del amor verdadero. Todavía recuerdo escenas en varias de sus películas que cuando las reproduzco en mi cabeza, me hacen un nudo en la garganta. De nuevo te envío un abrazo muy fuerte, debe de ser horrible perder a alguien a quien se quiere de verdad.

[Gretchen]

My heart hurt when I heard the news. I just knew you and Bill knew him. As a widow I always feel overwhelming grief when I hear another great man's life was cut so short. Remember his life and spirit lives on through his work, family and friends. Love never ends. Gretchen

[nyjlm]

What a beautiful tribute, Elsita. Thank you for sharing the photos and stories with us.

[Carla]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your special friend. I heard about his passing on the news. I know the world lost an angel, but how lucky you are to have had his friendship in your life. In time the pain of his loss will start to lessen, and you'll have such happy memories. That's how it will always be for me when it comes to the loss of my dad. I was touched by your post, and I just wanted to give my condolences to you and your family.

[sosser]

elsa, i am so sorry for your loss. "to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."

[Bulbboy]

My favourite movie he did is "The Talented Mr Ripley."

Some people are just amazing. How some people can make a movie, let alone great movies, again and again is incredible.

He definitely made the world a better place and will be sorely missed.