The British film industry is mourning the loss of one of its most formidable and influential talents, Susie Figgis, who has died at the age of 77. The legendary casting director, renowned for her volcanic enthusiasm and impeccable eye for talent, was the creative force behind the ensembles of iconic films ranging from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to The Crying Game.
A Volcanic Start and a Lasting Legacy
Producer Stephen Woolley first met Figgis over four decades ago when interviewing her for Neil Jordan's 1984 film, The Company of Wolves. He recalls her "explosive enthusiasm" for the project, a trait that would define her career. Tasked with the challenge of finding an adolescent lead, Figgis's meticulous approach led to the discovery of Sarah Patterson for the role of Rosaleen. She further astounded the production by securing screen icon Angela Lansbury to play Grannie, assembling a cast that perfectly realised the film's dark fairytale vision.
Her origins in the avant-garde The People Show collective in the 1960s and 70s – alongside her cousin, director Mike Figgis – forged a unique professional ethos. She combined a radical, subversive spirit with an unwavering commitment to professionalism, punctuality, and absolute dedication to the director's vision. Actors who arrived late to her auditions quickly learned the error of their ways.
Defining an Era of British Cinema
Following her success on The Company of Wolves, Figgis became a pivotal figure in the surge of new British cinema throughout the 1980s and 90s. She forged a prolific partnership with Neil Jordan, delivering a series of casting coups that included Cathy Tyson in Mona Lisa, the groundbreaking discovery of Jaye Davidson in The Crying Game, and Eamonn Owens in The Butcher Boy.
Her remarkable career seamlessly bridged the gap between prestigious independent productions and major Hollywood studio films. She worked on Oscar-winning projects like The Killing Fields and The Mission for Richard Attenborough, while also collaborating with Stephen Frears. Her filmography from this era reads as a who's who of cinematic excellence, including Local Hero, A World Apart, and Scandal.
The Molotov Cocktail Personality and Blockbuster Success
Colleagues described Figgis's personality as a "molotov cocktail" – a disarming and honest blend of no-nonsense British pragmatism and leftwing radicalism. This unique energy propelled her into the new millennium, where she took on the monumental task of casting the first Harry Potter film in 2001. She maintained a close and amicable working relationship with director Tim Burton on all his UK-based films, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd, and Alice in Wonderland.
Her later work continued to demonstrate her versatile genius, contributing to films as diverse as Colette and the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. Figgis was renowned for giving 100% to every project, her infectious passion and ribald humour bringing an extra dimension of energy to the sets she worked on.
Stephen Woolley's tribute underscores her irreplaceable status, suggesting that her fearless and inspiring presence is acutely missed in what he characterises as today's more timid landscape of British filmmaking. Susie Figgis's legacy is etched into the credits of some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed movies of the past forty years.
