Photo: Pitchfork
John Singleton, an iconic filmmaker who has directed classics such as Boyz n the Hood, Baby Boy, Poetic Justice, Higher Learning, and more passed away Monday at the age of 51 following a major stroke that left him hospitalized in a coma on April 17. In 1992, Singleton made history by becoming the first African-American and youngest person to be nominated for a Best Director Oscar for Boyz n the Hood. His work also expands to directing episodes of “Empire,” “American Crime Story,” and ESPN’s “30 for 30.”
Celebrities from musicians, actors, actresses, and fellow directors took to social media via Instagram and Twitter to express their condolences, and the influence that Singleton left on the film industry and Black culture. Check it out below:
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
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
#JohnSingleton was an innovator – he came with drive & a creative vision when people of color didn’t have the same visibility we do now. He will remain a beacon of light in our community, and today we celebrate his legacy. Rest well my friend, we’ve lost one of the good guys.❤️?? pic.twitter.com/U3FhJkdRhC
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) April 29, 2019
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… https://t.co/SlQGwDEHU7
— Regina King (@ReginaKing) 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
Sad to hear of the loss of John Singleton. One of the great directors of our time. RIP John..????????Prayers for your family
— Chris Tucker (@christuckerreal) April 30, 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
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 (@TherealTaraji) April 30, 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
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
Rest in power John Singleton. Thank you. You paved the way for so many careers behind and in front of the camera. Condolences to the Singleton family.??
— Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes) April 30, 2019
John, you have been the inspiration for millions. Rest In Peace my brother. We will always speak your name.?Love you, Debbie #johnsingleton pic.twitter.com/GXyxB4bsys
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) 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
Not only did John make movies for us and our culture, he made one of the most iconic videos ever! It showed the world what Egyptians really looked like! Again I say, THANK YOU! May God bless the soul of John Singleton. pic.twitter.com/RAEm61vw0a
— COMMON (@common) April 29, 2019
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
Thank you for your contributions. Rest in power John Singleton. ?? pic.twitter.com/CAEDeXxB2d
— En Vogue (@EnVogueMusic) April 30, 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
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 Owbum ? (@chancetherapper) April 29, 2019
