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.”
“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.”