Entertainment

His films will live on – Spike Lee, Jamie Foxx lead tributes to John Singleton

The director passed away almost two weeks after having a stroke.
The director passed away almost two weeks after having a stroke. The director passed away almost two weeks after having a stroke.

Hollywood star Jamie Foxx said John Singleton “changed a culture” after the director’s death at the age of 51.

The US filmmaker, who directed the Oscar-nominated Boyz N The Hood, died after being taken off life support almost two weeks after suffering a stroke.

Foxx posted a tribute on Instagram, saying: “God blessings…

“You changed a culture with your art… and impacted the world with your vision.”

Actress Regina King, who appeared in Boyz N The Hood, shared a picture on Instagram of herself with Singleton.

“Rest In Power, my friend,” she wrote.

“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 what you mean to me. Will always love you John!

“Your spirit will forever shine bright.”

Spike Lee posted a message on Instagram saying the pair had been close for years, “cheering each other on in this industry that is not set up for us to win”.

“I Will Forever Miss My Brother John Singleton,” he wrote.

“We Met While He Was A Film Student At USC. Over Many Years People Have Told Me ‘I’m Going To Be A Filmmaker’, When John Said That To Me The 1st Time We Met, I Believed Him Right Away. It Was No Surprise.

“With His Passion, His Heart, The Way He Talked About His Love For Cinema And Black Folks I Could See John Would Make It Happen, And He Did.

“From Day One, We Have Remained Close Over The Decades, Cheering Each Other On In This Industry That Is Not Set Up For Us To Win.

“John Singleton’s Films Will Live On Forever.

“Blessings And Prayers For His Family. May John Rest In Power. Amen.”

Director Jordan Peele said Singleton – who became the first African-American and the youngest person ever to be nominated for the best director Oscar for Boyz N The Hood – was an “inspiration”.

“RIP John Singleton,” he said on Twitter.

“So sad to hear.

“John was a brave artist and a true inspiration.

“His vision changed everything.”