American film director and screenwriter, John Singleton has died after suffering from a stroke.
The Oscar-nominated director, popularly known for his films including Boyz N The Hood (1991) and his remake of detective movie, Shaft (2000) was 51-years-old.
Singleton directed “Boyz n the Hood” when he was 22 and fresh out of film school.
The piece described youth and violence in South Central Los Angeles, the bleak, gang-ridden neighborhood of his childhood.
A family statement confirmed the filmmaker had “passed away peacefully” shortly after being removed from life support in Los Angeles on Monday, April 29, 2019.
The director’s family had earlier announced they had taken the “agonizing decision” to remove him from life-support following the stroke he suffered on April 17.
A spokesperson for the family later confirmed that the award-winning director had died surrounded by friends and family.
They also took the opportunity to raise awareness about hypertension, or high blood pressure, in the African-American community.
They said the director had “silently struggled” with the condition, and urged people to familiarise themselves with symptoms.
“We are grateful to his fans, friends and colleagues for the outpour of love and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” they said.
In 1992, Singleton became the first African-American filmmaker to be nominated for an Oscar as best director.
His work on television included shows such as “Billions,” “The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story” and “Empire.”
In 2014, he told Hollywood reporter that his upbringing had made him “more of a fighter, more of a hustler, and it made me really appreciate life in a different way as a storyteller”.
His film, ‘Boyz N The Hood’ which was partly inspired by his childhood, explored themes of youth and friendship with the backdrop of inner-city violence in Los Angeles.
He also directed 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) and Michael Jackson’s video for Remember the Time (1992).
Stars Pay Tribute
Chance the Rapper, pointed to one of Singleton’s memorable music videos for Jackson’s brother, Michael.
He wrote: “Rest up John Singleton. We never met, but Remember The Time literally changed my life. Thank you so much. God Bless you.”
Rest up John Singleton. We never met, but Remember The Time literally changed my life. Thank you so much. God Bless you
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 29, 2019
Music producer Quincy Jones, added his condolences, posting on Twitter: “RIP to my dear brother, John Singleton. Gone far, far too soon…your storytelling & contributions to our culture will endure forever.”
RIP to my dear brother, John Singleton. Gone far, far too soon…your storytelling & contributions to our culture will endure forever.
— Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones) April 30, 2019
Many other celebrities and friends of the iconic filmmaker also paid tribute on social media.
I was discovered by a master filmmaker by the name of John Singleton. He not only made me a movie star but made me a filmmaker. There are no words to express how sad I am to lose my brother, friend & mentor. He loved bring the black experience to the world. ..Us at Cannes ‘90 pic.twitter.com/CaRKjZtjgB
— Ice Cube (@icecube) April 29, 2019
John Singleton. Thank you for your brilliance, your vision, and for showing us that we can own our narratives and tell our own stories because our lens matters. This is a true loss for the culture. May love and light surround his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/9VGSTAMJ9n
— Tracee Ellis Ross (@TraceeEllisRoss) April 30, 2019
Rest in Paradise JOHN SINGLETON aka LEGEND!!! 🙏🏾👑💯 https://t.co/vm9po0PsjC
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 30, 2019
“You’re not going to f–ing tell me what my story is.” Watch #JohnSingleton, in his final interview, speak candidly about the unwavering commitment he had to telling narratives that had never been told before https://t.co/QVygZPD2BL pic.twitter.com/hEJIUeFJTA
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 30, 2019
Boyz n the Hood
Poetic Justice
Higher Learning
Baby Boy
2 Fast 2 FuriousIn 1992, John Singleton was the first black person nominated for a Best Director Oscar. He also remains the youngest person to be nominated. He was 23.
Rest in power to one of the greatest to ever do it 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oHuhjC59gw
— Complex (@Complex) April 29, 2019
John Singleton made sure to tell our stories on the big screen in an authentic way that only someone from where he’s from could tell, all the while ensuring that our community benefitted. By doing so, he changed Hollywood forever, as well as South L.A.
We'll miss you, John. pic.twitter.com/AoRXDkQFru
— Congressmember Bass (@RepKarenBass) April 30, 2019
My heart is broken!!! I am at a loss for words. Can’t stop crying. I WILL MISS YOU MY DEAR FRIEND JOHN SINGLETON!!! You gave me my first big break in #BabyBoy and again in #HustleandFlow… https://t.co/6Fl8mJphKG
— Taraji P. Henson (@tarajiphenson) April 30, 2019
What’s your favorite MOVIE by John Singleton ? Hard pick right! Dude was a genius 🙏🏾 R.I.P 🕊 pic.twitter.com/iNrFQ90ECU
— Omillo Adams ✞🌹 (@OmilloDior) April 30, 2019
John Singleton put diverse stories of the African American experience on the big screen. He believed in us & saw our worth. Today, I wept for his family. My father also passed after being taken off of life support following a stroke. It’s always hard, but it does get better.
— Symone D. Sanders Townsend (@SymoneDSanders) April 30, 2019
John Singleton. Rest In Peace, King.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) April 30, 2019
I want to say Thank You to John Singleton for bringing us movies that depict our lives and make us feel something. He was unapologetic for his vision in Hollywood and was willing to speak up. We lost you too damn early. I pray that your family finds peace.
Well Done! pic.twitter.com/ROxFu6Rpo4— Sinbad (@sinbadbad) April 30, 2019
Had dinner with John Tobias this evening. We talked about the one encounter we had with (the great) John Singleton. MK2 was at a trade show & we saw him walk up, stare at it for a sec, turn to his friend and say “THIS GAME IS BAD!” and walked away. That was it 😥
— Ed Boon (@noobde) April 30, 2019
When I was young actor, #JohnSingleton sought me out to encourage me. His words meant a lot. So heartbroken for his family and our filmmaking community. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/crPPSLCUhm
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) April 30, 2019
John Singleton looked me in the eye while the whole time I was looking up to him. Rip my brother.
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) April 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/AriLennox/status/1123217182962454528
Stars in the universe that burn the brightest, live shorter lives than others. And with their high-energy light, they transform all that basks in their luminosity. Farewell John Singleton (1968-2019).
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) April 29, 2019
Prayers up for John Singleton, who has directed some of the culture's most classic films🙏🏾🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/Or9rRKzTxG
— MACRO (@stayMACRO) April 29, 2019
