William Wyler 07.01.1902 - 07.27.1981 (79 years old)

William Wyler was an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He was active in the film industry from the 1920s to the 1960s, and is considered one of the most influential and important filmmakers of the 20th century. Wyler directed many acclaimed films, including "Ben-Hur" (1959), "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946), "Roman Holiday" (1953), and "Wuthering Heights" (1939). He was nominated for a record twelve Academy Awards and won three, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest directors in the history of American cinema.