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The Fox and Redgrave dynasties came together at All Saints Church in Fulham on Thursday for the funeral of producer Robert Fox.
The distinguished producer, who helped inspire the hit Netflix drama The Crown, passed away from prostate cancer on March 20 aged 73.
His death was confirmed by his wife, Fiona Golfar, who told Deadline Hollywood that 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.’
300 guests were seen stepping out for his funeral at the church, including many of his famous pals such as Gillian Anderson and Nigella Lawson.
His nephew Freddie Fox, 37, was spotted arriving in a black suit while covering his eyes with dark sunglasses.
Robert’s former stepmother Vanessa Redgrave, 89, and her daughter Joely Richardson, 61, put on a brave face as they made their way to the church.
The producer was married to Natasha Richardson, Vanessa’s daughter, from 1990 to 1992.
Gillian arrived at the funeral dressed in a black jumpsuit, while Nigella attended with daughter Cosmina Thomasina Diamond.
Robert’s niece Lydia Fox was accompanied by her husband Richard Ayoade, who wrapped his arm around her.
Bill Nighy, who Robert has a long standing professional relationship was seen arriving in a navy blue suit.
Tania Bryer, Andy Harries, Frank Marshall, Matthew Byam Shaw, Rose Uniacke and Rosie Fellner were also at the funeral in west London.
Born in West Sussex, Robert 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, Robert 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.
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, Robert 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. Robert 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 Robert 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.’
Robert 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.
Robert 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 Robert from the theatrical world following news of his death.
Hugh Jackman, who starred in The Boy from Ox- produced by Robert – 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.’
