John Grover, James Bond film editor, dies at 87

John Grover, the British film editor who cut three James Bond films, has died at the age of 87.

He died on Monday at his home in Buckinghamshire, England, following a short illness. His son, Tim, confirmed the death to The Hollywood Reporter, which reported the news on 30 September. The Hollywood Reporter

Grover was longtime vice chairman of the British Film Editors, the industry group that represents editors. He received the group's Lifetime Achievement Award in April, only months before his death. The honour is given for a sustained contribution to the craft, the hands-on work of turning hours of raw footage into a finished story told shot by shot.

He held the editor's credit — the lead role in shaping performance, pace and action — on For Your Eyes Only (1981). He returned in the same role for The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989). Together, the three films cover much of Bond's screen life in the 1980s, a period when the series moved between large-scale stunts and quieter character scenes.

Before those lead credits, he helped assemble three earlier entries in the series. They were The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979) and Octopussy (1983), according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Hollywood Reporter That work involves preparing and organising footage alongside other members of the editorial team before the final cut is locked.

Away from Bond, Grover edited Jim Henson's Labyrinth (1986). He said it was his favourite among his own films. The production combined live action with puppetry and music, a very different editing task from a spy thriller built around chases and locations.

What makes this stand out is how rarely editors step into public view. Their choices set rhythm and clarity, yet their names pass quickly in the credits. Grover was unusual in holding both a long run of screen credits and a senior role among fellow editors.

He died at home after a short illness, with the announcement coming through his family. He was 87. The British Film Editors had recognised that dual contribution with its lifetime award in April. Colleagues will remember him in the cutting room and in the organisation he helped to lead.