The Ipcress File author Len Deighton dies aged 97 Len Deighton, whose debut novel The Ipcress File was adapted into a film starring Sir Michael Caine, has died aged 97. 17 March 2026 Spy thriller writer Len Deighton has died aged 97. Len Deighton has died aged 97 The influential bestselling author, whose debut 1962 novel The Ipcress File was adapted into a film of the same name three years later staring Sir Michael Caine, passed away over the weekend. His literary agent Tim Bates confirmed to the BBC that Deighton died on Sunday (15.03.26), but no cause of death has been given.