Robert Fox, the distinguished producer who helped inspire the hit Netflix drama The Crown, kept David Bowie’s cancer diagnosis a closely guarded secret, and was a prominent member of the Fox acting dynasty, has died aged 73.
The producer’s death was confirmed to Deadline Hollywood on Friday by his wife, Fiona Golfar.
Speaking to Deadline, Ms Golfar said her husband passed away ‘in exactly the way he planned: at home looking out to his flower-filled garden surrounded by his wife and five children on a glorious spring afternoon.
‘It was the epitome of an elegant Robert Fox production.’
Born in West Sussex, Fox was the youngest son of theatrical agent Robin Fox and actress Angela Worthington. He was part of the illustrious Fox acting family, with his elder brothers Edward Fox and James Fox both BAFTA award-winning performers.
He was also uncle to a new generation of actors, including Emilia Fox, star of Silent Witness, Freddie Fox of House of the Dragon, and Laurence Fox – the outspoken actor-turned-political activist.
Over more than four decades, Fox carved out a reputation as a film producer and as a theatrical producer in the West End and on Broadway.
Through his company, Robert Fox Ltd, he produced or co-produced more than 50 productions, including Chess and Lazarus.
Theatre and film producer Robert Fox (pictured), part of the Fox acting family and close friend of David Bowie, has died aged 73
Fox (pictured) produced or co-produced more than 50 productions across the West End and Broadway, including Chess, Lazarus and The Audience
Among his most celebrated successes was The Audience, a play about Queen Elizabeth II starring Helen Mirren.
The production would go on to inspire The Crown, which starred Claire Foy and later earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama. Fox himself served as an Executive Producer on the series.
Throughout his career, Fox moved easily among the upper echelons of stage and screen.
A close friend of David Bowie, revealed in 2016 that he was among the few entrusted with the singer’s cancer diagnosis.
Bowie died aged 69 on January 10, 2016, from liver cancer.
The pair first met in London in 1974. Fox later told The Telegraph he was immediately struck by Bowie’s modest charm, describing him as ‘easy to chat to,’ and not ‘ostentatious or loud or attention seeking.’
They would go on to collaborate on Lazarus, with Fox producing and Bowie co-writing alongside playwright Enda Walsh.
It was during a Skype call about the production that Bowie disclosed his illness – a revelation Fox later described as ‘shocking.’
Fox and Helen Mirren (left). Mirren starred as Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience, produced by Fox and the inspiration for the hit Netflix series, The Crown
Fox also worked with some of the greatest acting talents of his generation, including Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Vanessa Redgrave.
He produced Notes on a Scandal, which starred Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. Fox once praised Dench’s ‘democratic attitude’ as setting the tone for the film, telling A Rabbit’s Foot she was ‘a properly top person.’
Maggie Smith, meanwhile, was described as a ‘constant in the life of producer Robert Fox for half a century’ by Deadline in 2024.
Fox produced her major stage works including Lettice and Lovage and The Breath of Life, the latter also co-starring Dame Judi Dench at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket.
He also famously produced A Month by the Lake, starring Vanessa Redgrave and his brother, Edward.
Tributes have been made to Fox from the theatrical world following news of his death.
Hugh Jackman, who starred in The Boy from Ox- produced by Fox – wrote on X: ‘Robert Fox was an integral part of my life, both personally and professionally.
‘He was an exceptional father and husband. He had the unique ability to make everyone feel seen and heard. Robert gave of himself and expected nothing in return.
‘Robert was a role model. A supportive force to all who knew and loved him. His extraordinary career spanned decades.
‘That’s because Robert was one of one.’
