After news broke on Monday of critically acclaimed director John Singleton's death at the age of 51 from complications following a stroke, tributes poured in from celebrities all over the entertainment industry.
“The Boyz n the Hood” filmmaker, who had been in a coma since last Wednesday, died after his family removed him from life support.
(MORE: Famed 'Boyz n the Hood' director John Singleton dies at 51Many messages of tribute to Singleton came from those who worked with him, including many who got their big break in Hollywood by appearing in films that included “Higher Learning,” “Poetic Justice” and “Baby Boy,” and his recent TV show, “Snowfall.”
There aren’t many of us out here doing this. It’s a small tribe in the grand scheme of things. He was a giant among us. Kind. Committed. And immensely talented. His films broke ground. His films mattered. He will be missed. And long remembered. Thank you, John. #RunIntoHisArms pic.twitter.com/wKfOaCGFuA
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) 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
(MORE: Stars we lost in 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
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
Farewell my filmmaking friend! Your Boyz story and your laser disc commentary inspired me back before I shot my first film. You made me believe I might be able to be like you: heard. Thank you for leading, John. Wish we had one last chance to talk comics again... #JohnSingleton pic.twitter.com/jZvCxNIIsw
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) April 29, 2019
(MORE: Luke Perry dies after a massive stroke: What to know about stroke symptoms, prevention and more)I cannot believe this man is gone at such a young age. He was always encouraging, supportive, and gracious to me. I will be calling his and his family’s name in my prayers tonight. Heartbroken and shocked. May God add peace and rest to your ascending soul Mr. John Singleton. pic.twitter.com/5PFug6LQJO
— Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) April 29, 2019
God Bless this guy.
— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) April 29, 2019
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
(MORE: Stroke risk could be cut by adding anti-clot drug to aspirin, study finds)
Cookie and I are deeply saddened to hear about the untimely passing of our friend and outstanding filmmaker John Singleton.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 29, 2019
John created some incredible movies, his first being Boyz in the Hood at the age of 24. He became the first African-American and youngest person to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 29, 2019
John is admired for putting a lot of people of color to work throughout his career. Our prayers are with his children and family members. He will be sorely missed.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 29, 2019
“Boyz n the Hood” star Laurence Fishburne said in a statement Monday, “First I’d like to express my condolences to John’s family. His was a unique voice in the cinema. The cinema was more than just Movies to John. It was his language, his expression, his art. His passion for cinema was as boundless as his imagination. His talent as a writer and director was extremely rare. I loved him like a brother... I am heartbroken ...”
Fellow “Boyz n the Hood” actor Cuba Gooding Jr. also offered his praise of Singleton, telling “Entertainment Tonight” in a statement, "I was able yesterday to sit with John privately and whispered in his ear that I loved him and thanked him for starting my career," he said. "Then I was able to pray with his family... They are strong."
(MORE: Black history made at the Oscars: Spike Lee, 'Black Panther,' Regina King win big)It was also announced Monday that filming on season three of the FX drama “Snowfall,” one of Singleton’s last projects, will continue despite the news of his death. Singleton co-created, directed and executive produced the series about the 1980s crack epidemic in Los Angeles.
“Snowfall” executive producer Trevor Engelson tells Deadline, “Everybody is sad but everybody also is moving forward because that’s what John would’ve wanted.”
