Boyd replaced RSC predecessor Adrian Noble in 2003, departing nine years later.
In 2012, he was knighted in the Queens Birthday Honors for services to drama.
Many felt that he was being rewarded for keeping the RSC intact.
Michael BoydDavid Jones/PA Images via Getty Images
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But it was in a rehearsal room with actors where Boyd made his mark.
In that way, Boyd made the Bard more accessible to audiences who shunned the classics.
Boyd knew how to make Shakespeare thrilling.
A Histories Cycleseason includedHenry IV Parts 1, 2and3andRichard III.
Boyd directed all eight of Shakespeares history plays from 2005-08.
The curtain call was electrifying.
Another of Boyds RSC productions had David Tennent and Alexandra Gilbreath starring inRomeo and Juliet.
Born on July 6, 1955, in Belfast, Boyds earliest ambition was to be a fireman.
The play was always the thing with Boyd, but that meant offstage as well.
He enjoyed a good joke, cooking and food.
He was once asked who would play him in the movie of his life.
Bill Nighy, if I was lucky, he replied.
Boyd is survived by his partner, Caroline Hall, and three children, Daniel, Gabriella and Rachael.
