Sharon Maguire (born 17 August 1960) is a film director best known for directing the romantic comedy film '' Bridget Jones's Diary'' (2001). The film was based on the book of the same name by her close friend, Helen Fielding, and one of the main characters – "Shazza" – is allegedly based on Maguire.

Early life

Born in Coventry to Irish Catholic parents, Maguire studied English and drama at the University of Wales Aberystwyth. After leaving university she worked as a copywriter in publishing before doing a postgraduate degree in journalism at City University, London.

Career

She began a career in television, working as a researcher for The Media Show (C4) and then as a producer/director at the BBC's '' The Late Show''. She then went on to direct several documentaries for BBC's ''Omnibus'' and ''Bookmark'', before leaving the corporation to direct commercials. ''Bridget Jones's Diary'' marked Maguire's feature directorial debut. In 2001, she directed '' Bridget Jones's Diary f''rom a screenplay by Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies and

Richard Curtis Richard Whalley Anthony Curtis (born 8 November 1956) is a British screenwriter, producer and director. One of Britain's most successful comedy screenwriters, he is known for romantic comedy-drama films, including ''Four Weddings and a Funeral' ...

which was praised by critics. The film stars

Renée Zellweger Renée Kathleen Zellweger ( ; born April 25, 1969) is an American actress. The recipient of List of awards and nominations received by Renée Zellweger, various accolades, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and four ...

as Bridget Jones, with

Colin Firth Colin Andrew Firth (born 10 September 1960) is an English actor and producer. He is the recipient of List of awards and nominations received by Colin Firth, several accolades, including an Academy Award, two British Academy Film Awards, BAFTA Aw ...

and

Hugh Grant Hugh John Mungo Grant (born 9 September 1960) is an English actor. He established himself early in his career as a charming and vulnerable romantic leading man, and has since transitioned into a character actor. He has received List of awards ...

. In 2016, she co-founded the television production company, 7 Stories, which creates scripted drama for TV. In 2016 she directed '' Bridget Jones's Baby'' from a screenplay by Helen Fielding,

Dan Mazer Daniel Gideon Mazer (born 4 October 1971) is a British director, screenwriter, producer, and comedian. He is best known as the long-time writing and production partner of comedian Sacha Baron Cohen and worked with him on his three unorthodox cha ...

and

Emma Thompson Dame Emma Thompson (born 15 April 1959) is a British actress and screenwriter. Emma Thompson on screen and stage, Her work spans over four decades of screen and stage, and List of awards and nominations received by Emma Thompson, her accola ...

, based on a story by Fielding. It is the sequel to Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) and the third installment in the Bridget Jones film series. The film stars

as Bridget Jones,

and

Patrick Dempsey Patrick Galen Dempsey (born January 13, 1966) is an American actor and racing driver best known for playing neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd in ''Grey's Anatomy'' (2005–15; 2020–21). He is also known for his leading man romantic film roles, such ...

Personal life

She has three children with her partner, director

Anand Tucker Anand Tucker (born 24 June 1963) is a film director and producer based in London. He began his career directing factual television programming and adverts. He co-owns the production company Seven Stories. Personal life Tucker was born in Thail ...

Filmography

Films

Documentary

TV

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Maguire, Sharon 1960 births Living people Alumni of Aberystwyth University Alumni of City, University of London Alumni of the University of Wales Welsh film directors Welsh women screenwriters Welsh television directors Welsh women film directors People from Aberystwyth British women screenwriters British women film directors Mass media people from Coventry British women television directors