Boyz n the Hood director John Singleton has died at the age of 51. The film legend was in a coma after suffering a “major stroke” on April 17.
The Singleton family said in a statement: “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.” Singleton’s family announced their intent to take the Hustle and Flow producer off life support earlier on Monday, April 29th.
Singleton made history in 1992 when he simultaneously became the first African American and the youngest person to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Director for 1991’s Boyz n the Hood. (Singleton was 24 at the time.) The movie also nabbed him a nomination for Best Writing. Some of his other work includes Shaft, 2 Fast 2 Furious and Poetic Justice. His FX Network show Snowfall was renewed for season 3 last year.
Singleton is survived by his mother, Shelia Ward, his father, Danny Singleton, and his seven children: Justice, Massai, Hadar, Cleopatra, Selenesol, Isis and Seven. Details about Singleton’s memorial will be provided at a later date.
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