Alexander Walker, author and top film critic for more than four decades, dies aged 73

Tessa Jowell, the Culture Secretary, led tributes to the film critic Alexander Walker, who died yesterday after a career spanning more than 40 years.

Ms Jowell said that Mr Walker's understanding of the world of cinema was unparalleled. "He demonstrated his love for film in many ways, including his role as a governor of the British Film Institute, his contribution to public debate, and, of course, his years of service as a leading and influential film critic," she said. "His passion and commitment to film will be greatly missed."

Mr Walker, who was 73, was the film critic of the London Evening Standard for more than four decades and became a familiar figure in the film world as well as an accomplished author. He was named British critic of the year on three occasions.

Mr Walker's association with the stars he wrote about was renowned, and he was said to be one of the few who could call the reclusive film director Stanley Kubrick a friend.

Among more than 20 books, he wrote biographies of Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Sellers, Audrey Hepburn and Vivien Leigh.

He served as a governor of the BFI from 1988-94. Its chairman, Anthony Minghella, who directed The English Patient, said: "Alexander Walker's contribution to the appreciation and understanding of British film was unique.

"He was passionate about film and that love affair with cinema was clear in everything he wrote. He was much more than a film critic. He was a champion for quality cinema in this country. The London film world and British cinema are a smaller and less colourful place without him."

Raised in Portadown, Northern Ireland, Mr Walker began his career as a journalist on newspapers in Birmingham, and started reviewing films in 1953. He joined the Standard in 1960, reportedly on the recommendation of the actor Kenneth More.

He filed daily from the Cannes Film Festival this summer and was working on a critical history of the British film industry.

Lord Rothermere, chairman of the Daily Mail and General Trust, which owns the Evening Standard, said: "Alex was recognised as the most brilliant and influential film critic of his age."