needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2009) This article is outdated. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. Please see the talk page for more information. (August 2010) Ken Russell Russell in 2008 Born Henry Kenneth Alfred Russell 3 July 1927 (1927-07-03) (age 83) Southampton, Hampshire, England, UK Occupation Director Years active 1956–present Spouse Shirley Ann Russell (1956–1978) Vivian Jolly (1983–1991) Hetty Baynes (1992–1999) Lisi Tribble (2001–present) Henry Kenneth Alfred "Ken" Russell (born 3 July 1927) is an English film director. He is known for his pioneering work in television and film and for his controversial style. He has been criticized as being over-obsessed with sexuality and the church. His subject matter is often about famous composers, or based on other works of art which he adapts loosely. Russell began directing for the BBC, where he did creative adaptations of composers' lives which were unusual for the time. He also directed many feature films independently and for studios..