Director Robert Altman dies

Posted Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 12:52 PM Central

by Tim Briscoe

Legendary director Robert Altman died Monday in Los Angeles at age 81. Altman was best known for his biting satires and films featuring rich ensemble casts.

Five times Altman was nominated for the Best Director Oscar but never won. He was honored by the Academy earlier this year for his lifetime achievement. In his acceptance speech for the prize he said, "No other filmmaker has gotten a better shake than I have. I'm very fortunate in my career. I've never had to direct a film I didn't choose or develop."

His most notable films were M*A*S*H, Nashville, The Player, and Gosford Park. His last film was A Prairie Home Companion.

Altman was born and raised in Kansas City, Mo.