Born in Hampshire, England, Yates helmed more than 20 feature films over 32 years and seemed just as comfortable directing comedies and fantasies and he did thrillers and dramas.
Twice nominated for a Best Director Oscar, Yates orchestrated one of the greatest car chases ever put on film in the crime-thriller Bullitt, infused warmth and wit into the coming-of-age-comedy Breaking Away and turned Krull from a blatant Star Wars rip-off into an engaging and memorable fantasy adventure.
Other noteworthy Yates films include The Friends of Eddie Coyle, Mother Jugs and Speed, The Deep, The Dresser and Suspect.
