John Grover, the British film editor who worked on half a dozen James Bond films, as well as Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, David Lean's Doctor Zhivago, and Jim Henson's Labyrinth, died on September 28 at the age of 87.
The organization British Film Editors, of which Grover was a long-time board member, confirmed the news via social media, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.
An extensive career in the James Bond saga
Grover served as lead editor on three 007 films: For Your Eyes Only (1981), The Living Daylights (1987), and Licence to Kill (1989). Additionally, he participated in the editing of The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), and Octopussy (1983).
His connection to the franchise also extended to two war films starring Roger Moore, the actor who played James Bond for years: The Wild Geese (1978) and The Sea Wolves (1980).
Work alongside great directors: Kubrick, Lean, and Frankenheimer
Before establishing himself as an editor, Grover began his career as an uncredited assistant editor on productions by top-tier directors. He collaborated on Robert Wise's The Haunting (1963), John Frankenheimer's Grand Prix (1966), Herbert Ross's Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969), and Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).
He was also part of the editing team for Doctor Zhivago (1965), a film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. His additional credits as an assistant editor include The Blue Bird (1976) and The Executioner (1975).
Other film and television credits
Throughout his career, Grover worked on titles such as The Final Option (1982), Lifeforce (1985), Buddy's Song (1991), and Funky Monkey (2004). In television, he edited episodes of British series such as CI5: The New Professionals, Monsignor Renard, and Fat Friends, as well as American television films like Nobody's Children and the 1992 version of Frankenstein.
His final work as an editor was the Lithuanian drama Dievu miskas (Forest of the Gods), released in 2005.
Biographical data and family
John Grover was born on October 24, 1938, in Barnet, Middlesex, England. He is survived by his wife, Jenny, to whom he was married for 62 years; his son, Tim; his daughter, Camilla; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Frequently asked questions about John Grover
Who was John Grover?
John Grover was a British film editor known for his work on several films in the James Bond saga, as well as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Doctor Zhivago.
When did John Grover die?
John Grover passed away on September 28, 2026, at the age of 87. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Which James Bond films did John Grover work on?
Grover was the lead editor on For Your Eyes Only, The Living Daylights, and Licence to Kill, and he collaborated on the editing of The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, and Octopussy.
Which directors did John Grover work with at the beginning of his career?
He began as an assistant editor on productions by Stanley Kubrick, David Lean, John Frankenheimer, and Robert Wise, among others.
What was John Grover’s last work as an editor?
His last work as an editor was the Lithuanian drama Dievu miskas (Forest of the Gods), released in 2005.
