1. Overview
Oliver Parker, widely known as Ol ParkerEnglish, is a prominent English screenwriter, film director, and film producer. Born in London in 1969, Parker has established a notable career in the film industry, known for his ability to craft engaging narratives and direct successful films. His significant contributions include writing the screenplays for the critically acclaimed The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel series and writing and directing the popular musical sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, as well as the romantic comedy Ticket to Paradise. His work consistently demonstrates a nuanced approach to storytelling, contributing to a diverse range of cinematic experiences.
2. Life
Oliver Parker's life journey spans from his early upbringing in the English countryside to his successful career in the global film industry and his personal relationships.
2.1. Early life and education
Oliver Parker was born on June 2, 1969, in London, England. He spent his formative years growing up in the village of Radwinter, located near the market town of Saffron Walden in Essex. For his early education, Parker attended Dame Bradbury's School, an independent school situated in Saffron Walden. He later pursued higher education at Clare College, Cambridge, where he specialized in studying English.
2.2. Career
Parker's career in the film industry began around 1995, evolving from screenwriting to directing and producing, marking him as a versatile talent.
2.2.1. Screenwriting
Parker has made significant contributions as a screenwriter, crafting narratives for several notable films. He wrote the screenplay for the 2005 film Imagine Me & You. His work on the highly successful The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) and its sequel The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015) earned him widespread recognition; he also contributed to the original story for the latter. In 2021, he co-wrote the script for A Boy Called Christmas, for which he also served as an executive producer. Additionally, he penned the screenplays for films he directed, including the musical sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018), for which he also contributed to the original story, and the 2022 romantic comedy Ticket to Paradise. His earliest known screenwriting credit is for the 1995 film Loved Up.
2.2.2. Directing
As a film director, Parker has helmed a variety of projects, showcasing his directorial range. His directing credits include the 2005 film Imagine Me & You and the 2012 drama Now Is Good. He gained significant acclaim for directing the 2018 musical film Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, which was a commercial success. In 2022, he directed the romantic comedy Ticket to Paradise, which starred prominent actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts.
2.2.3. Filmography
Oliver Parker's filmography as a director and screenwriter is detailed below:
| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Loved Up | Yes | ||
| 2000 | It Was an Accident | Yes | ||
| 2005 | Imagine Me & You | Yes | Yes | |
| 2011 | The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel | Yes | ||
| 2012 | Now Is Good | Yes | ||
| 2015 | The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel | Yes | Also contributed to original story | |
| 2018 | Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again | Yes | Yes | Also contributed to original story |
| 2021 | A Boy Called Christmas | Yes | Also executive producer | |
| 2022 | Ticket to Paradise | Yes | Yes |
3. Personal life
Oliver Parker married actress Thandiwe Newton in 1998. The couple had three children together: daughters Ripley, born in 2000, and Nico, born in 2004, and a son named Booker Jombe, born in 2014. After 24 years of marriage, Parker and Newton separated in 2022.