The whole of the Isle of Wight has been plunged into great sadness today at the news that 'our' Anthony Minghella has died suddenly at the age of 54.

 Anthony was such a well know resident of the Island, and in earlier years could often be seen out and about selling his famous Minghella Ice Cream from a van.

Nothing really changed after his Oscar Award for The English Patient, he even mentioned the Isle of Wight in his acceptance speech!

He will be greatly missed worldwide, and with special sincerity on his Island home. 

That is sad news Pat.  Such a young age- and a true loss to the world of cinema.

He would have been barely half way through his directorial career- so many more great works that the world will never see.

My condolences go to family, friends and those who knew him.

Such sad news. His poor family. The industry has lost a great talent.

I was very saddened and shocked to hear of Anthony's passing at such a young age, he will certainly be very sorely missed in the world of film and far beyond too. I'm sure his loss will have hit the Island very hard Pat, so my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.

He will most definitely be remembered fondly and his memory will no doubt live on very strongly in the many great films he produced over the years too.