So sad!
We first introduced you to Louis Zamperini last year. His inspirational true-life story is being turned into a movie, thanks to Angelina Jolie who is directing and producing the project!
But this week, the 97-year-old passed away after a 40-day battle with pneumonia.
Angie and Louis became very close after she heard his harrowing tale of survival. Zamperini, a former Olympian, spent 47 days lost at sea during World War II. He was then captured by the Japanese and spent 2 years in a POW camp!
If that’s not an AH-Mazing movie plot, we don’t know what is!
Before he died, Louis spoke about his famous friend, calling Miz Jolie:
“A human dynamo!”
He also said he was certain that she would tell his story the right way.
The Zamperini family issued their own statement after losing Louis, which read:
“Having overcome insurmountable odds at every turn in his life, Olympic runner and World War II hero Louis Zamperini has never broken down from a challenge. He recently faced the greatest challenge of his life with a life-threatening case of pneumonia. After a 40-day long battle for his life, he peacefully passed away in the presence of his entire family, leaving behind a legacy that has touched so many lives. His indomitable courage and fighting spirit were never more apparent than in these last days.├óΓé¼┬¥
Unbroken, the film based on Louis’s incredible life, is due in theaters on Christmas Day. You better believe we’re gonna see it!
Rest in peace, Louis!
[Image via Universal.]