Robert Fox’s funeral: The Fox and Redgrave dynasties pay respects to producer as Gillian Anderson and Nigella Lawson lead tributes to man who helped inspire The Crown

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It was just… heartbreaking. Seeing the Foxes and the Redgraves all together at All Saints Church in Fulham for Robert Fox’s funeral. Two legendary families, both there to say goodbye to such an incredible producer. It really hit me how much he meant to everyone, seeing them all gathered like that. It was a beautiful, but incredibly sad, sight.

The well-known producer, credited with inspiring the popular Netflix series The Crown, died of prostate cancer on March 20th at the age of 73.

His wife, Fiona Golfar, confirmed his passing to Deadline Hollywood, sharing that he died peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and five children, enjoying the view of his garden on a beautiful spring afternoon – exactly as he had wished.

‘It was the epitome of an elegant Robert Fox production.’

Around 300 people attended his funeral at the church, including well-known friends like Gillian Anderson and Nigella Lawson.

Freddie Fox, age 37, arrived wearing a black suit and dark sunglasses, seemingly trying to avoid being seen.

Vanessa Redgrave, 89, and her daughter, Joely Richardson, 61, appeared composed as they walked to the church, despite a difficult personal situation involving Robert.

The producer was married to Natasha Richardson, Vanessa’s daughter, from 1990 to 1992. 

Gillian wore a black jumpsuit to the funeral. Nigella was there with her daughter, Cosmina Thomasina Diamond.

Lydia Fox came with her husband, Richard Ayoade, and he put his arm around her.

Bill Nighy, a longtime colleague of Robert, arrived wearing a navy blue suit.

Tania Bryer, Andy Harries, Frank Marshall, Matthew Byam Shaw, Rose Uniacke, and Rosie Fellner also attended the funeral, which was held in west London.

Robert Fox was born in West Sussex to parents who worked in the entertainment industry: his father, Robin Fox, was a theatrical agent, and his mother, Angela Worthington, was an actress. He came from a famous acting family, with both of his older brothers, Edward and James Fox, achieving success and winning BAFTA awards.

He was uncle to a group of rising actors, such as Emilia Fox, known for her role in Silent Witness, Freddie Fox from House of the Dragon, and Laurence Fox, who is now a vocal political activist after his acting career.

For over forty years, Robert built a successful career as a producer of both films and stage plays in London’s West End and on Broadway.

Robert Fox, through his production company Robert Fox Ltd, was involved in creating over 50 shows, notably including the musicals Chess and Lazarus.

One of his biggest hits was the play The Audience, which featured Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II.

The show later served as inspiration for the acclaimed series The Crown, starring Claire Foy and winning a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama. Notably, Fox was also an Executive Producer on The Crown.

Throughout his career, Robert moved easily among the upper echelons of stage and screen.

In 2016, a close friend of David Bowie shared that he was one of the few people who knew about the singer’s cancer diagnosis.

Bowie died aged 69 on January 10, 2016, from liver cancer.

Robert and David Bowie first met in London in 1974. Robert later shared with The Telegraph that he was immediately impressed by Bowie’s down-to-earth personality, noting that he was approachable and didn’t put on airs or seek the spotlight.

They later worked together on the project Lazarus, where Robert was the producer and Bowie helped write the script with playwright Enda Walsh.

Bowie revealed he was ill during a video call about the project, a disclosure that Fox would later call a complete shock.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve always admired those who collaborate with the best, and Robert was no exception. He had the incredible opportunity to work alongside acting legends like Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Vanessa Redgrave – truly a testament to his talent and a golden era of performance.

He made the film Notes on a Scandal, featuring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. Fox admired Dench’s approachable and collaborative spirit, describing her as a true professional in an interview with A Rabbit’s Foot.

In 2024, Deadline noted that Maggie Smith had been a steady presence in producer Robert Fox’s life for fifty years.

Robert oversaw the stage premieres of several of her most famous plays, including Lettice and Lovage and The Breath of Life, with the latter featuring a co-starring performance by 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 Robert from the theatrical world following news of his death.

Hugh Jackman, known for his role in ‘The Boy from Oz’ – a film produced by Robert Fox – shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Fox was a hugely important figure in his life, both as a friend and colleague.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve met many wonderful people, and Robert truly stood out. He was an incredible family man – a devoted husband and father who had this amazing gift for making everyone around him feel valued and understood. He was endlessly generous, always giving his time and energy without ever wanting anything back. It was a beautiful thing to witness.

Robert was an inspiration and a source of support for everyone who knew him. He had a remarkable career that lasted for many years.

‘That’s because Robert was one of one.’

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2026-04-09 15:04