Sharon Maguire (born 17 August 1963) is a film director best known for directing Bridget Jones's Diary. The film was based on the book by her close friend Helen Fielding, and one of the main characters – "Shazza" – is allegedly based on Maguire. Early life Born in Coventry to Irish Catholic parents, Maguire studied English and drama at the University of Wales Aberystwyth. After leaving university she worked as a copywriter in publishing before doing a postgraduate degree in journalism at City University, London. Career She began a career in television, working as a researcher for The Media Show (C4) and then as a producer/director at the BBC's The Late Show. She then went on to direct several documentaries for BBC's Omnibus and Bookmark, before leaving the corporation to direct commercials. Bridget Jones's Diary marked Maguire's feature directorial debut. In 2001, she directed Bridget Jones's Diary, which was praised by critics. In 2016, she co-founded the television production company, 7 Stories, which creates scripted drama for TV. Personal life She has two children with her partner, director Anand Tucker. Filmography Films Documentary TV References External links 1960 births Living people Alumni of Aberystwyth University Alumni of City, University of London Alumni of the University of Wales Welsh film directors Welsh screenwriters Welsh television directors Welsh women film directors People from Aberystwyth British women screenwriters British women film directors People from Coventry British women television directors