John Singleton has passed away.
On Monday, the Boyz n the Hood director died after being taken off life support. He was 51.
Previously, the filmmaker was in a coma eight days after suffering a stroke.
Related: All The Stars We’ve Lost In 2019
In a statement obtained by E! News, Singleton’s family said:
“We are sad to relay that John Singleton has died. John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends. We want to thank the amazing doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital for their expert care and kindness and we again want thank all of John’s fans, friends and colleagues for all of the love and support they showed him during this difficult time.”
While he was incapacitated, John’s mother, Shelia Ward, requested to be appointed his temporary conservator to make medical and financial decisions on his behalf.
One of those reported financial decisions was a lucrative settlement agreement set to be signed on or around April 30.
Additionally, Singleton was reportedly engaged in other business deals and negotiations at the time of his stroke.
The Los Angeles-native became the first black director ever nominated for an Oscar for his debut feature film, Boyz n the Hood, about life in south central Los Angeles. The film featured Ice Cube and Morris Chestnut in their first acting roles. It also starred thespians including Cuba Gooding Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Nia Long, Regina King, and Angela Bassett.
His other works include directing the films Poetic Justice starring Janet Jackson, and Rosewood, starring Tupac Shakur. As for TV, he has directed episodes of Empire and Billions, as well as The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story. Most recently, he was the creator and executive producer on the FX series Snowfall.
When word of his death broke out, several celebs paid their respects on social media.
Halle Berry wrote:
“Sending all the love in my heart to John Singleton and his family during this time”
Sending all the love in my heart to John Singleton and his family during this time ♥️ https://t.co/f6J1cwVrDq
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) April 29, 2019
Regina King penned:
“Rest In Power, my friend. One of the greatest to ever do it. Thank you GOD for blessing us with this gift better known as John Singleton. Having trouble finding enough words to share just what you mean to me. Will always love you John! Your spirit will forever shine bright.”
Jordan Peele posted:
“RIP John Singleton. So sad to hear. John was a brave artist and a true inspiration. His vision changed everything.”
RIP John Singleton. So sad to hear. John was a brave artist and a true inspiration. His vision changed everything.
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) April 29, 2019
Nick Cannon shared on IG:
“Damn, this was just the other week ago… I hate doing these post and social media tributes because deep in my heart I don’t feel like they are truly sincere or can even measure up to who we are as people. Is this really for John or just for the likes??? Do we value the attention or the Spirit??? I’m still confused by it all. But brotha this was our last conversation and though I sensed something was up, you took the time to come out and support me and whispered some power wisdom and words of encouragement in my ear. Meant so much to me, knowing that one of the greats had my back! I was humbled then and even more humbled now, that you just took the time. A true Jegna , Visionary, King that wasn’t too self-absorbed to pour into others. You’ve given so many people opportunities and fed into your community with your art and creative leadership. I salute your Eternal Spirit and your work will live on forever. Fight the good fight! Undying Spirit! #Faithful Job Well Done King!?? @JohnSingleton”
See more tributes (below):
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
Mourning the loss of a collaborator & True Friend John Singleton. He blazed the trail for many young film makers, always remaining true to who he was & where he came from!!! RIP Brother. Gone Way Too Soon!
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) April 29, 2019
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
The best life is when we leave a trail. We leave something on this earth bigger than us. John Singleton….you inspired a generation of Artists. We will shoulder on….'May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest". RIP
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 29, 2019
John Singleton, a singular talent, thank you. RIP. #BePeace
— Carl Weathers (@TheCarlWeathers) April 29, 2019
JOHN SINGLETON . A GENIUS .
Thank you for capturing US like no other . ????????????????— Janelle Monáe???????????????????? (@JanelleMonae) April 29, 2019
Rest in Peace, John Singleton. Just heartbreaking. Sending love and strength to his family during this incredibly difficult time. ????#JohnSingleton https://t.co/hiKhwwp4cU
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) April 29, 2019
My heart is really hurting for my friends Larry King and John Singleton right now. Prayers to the most high that they and their family receive healing…
— Kat Graham (@KatGraham) April 29, 2019
This is me & john Singleton on text in 2017 talking about doing a three six mafia biopic If this would had happened we would have won another Oscar for Best Picture John Singleton is a genius he knew the culture he helped us all I love you bro pic.twitter.com/yYo62kOSdv
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) April 29, 2019
God Bless this guy.
John Singleton Damn.
Such a nice guy.Talented guy.Generous
Gave so many people there Big Breaks.
What a nice loyal guy he was.#johnsingleton
Literally gave me the opportunity of my career. Was so supportive t& was my biggest fan making Higher Learning pic.twitter.com/c2xSCXfg2C— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) April 29, 2019
Praying for film director, John Singleton, who has reportedly been hospitalized w/a stroke. This photo is of lunch in NOLA at Essence Fest a couple of years ago. He has also attended NAN LA events. His noteworthy “Boyz n the Hood” & other work earned his stature in the industry. pic.twitter.com/eI7sZsvTUV
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) April 21, 2019
[Image via WENN.]