Celebrities are remembering John Singleton following his death Monday.
The Oscar-nominated director/producer/writer behind “Boyz n the Hood” died after being taken off life support following a stroke this month, the Associated Press reported Monday.
Singleton, 51, quickly became a trending topic on Twitter, as well as “Poetic Justice,” the 1993 film he directed and wrote starring Janet Jackson, as thousands of condolences poured in.
Morris Chestnut, who starred as Ricky Baker in “Boyz n the Hood,” said Singleton “gave me a chance.”
“John Singleton, thank you for your vision. Thank you for holding my hand a little stronger,” he wrote. “Thank you for connecting with me and thank you for connecting me to history. Thank you for connecting and transcending generations, nationalities, nations, races, communities, societies. Thank you, John Singleton, for connecting us all.”
View this post on Instagram
This is where it all started. The Genesis – The Genius – The Genre Maker/Star Maker (Taraji P. Henson, Ice Cube, Tyrese Gibson, Lawrence Fishburne, Regina King,Nia Long, Angela Basset, Cuba Gooding, Jr. – in no particular order as these are all great actors/actresses). John Singleton gave me a chance. When I left the audition for "Boyz N' The Hood" as he shook my hand, he gave me a stronger grip than normal and looked me in the eye. I felt he was basically giving me a signal that I had the job without telling me. From there, there was no comprehension of the massive chain of events that was about to follow. People from all over the world literally tell me how they’re affected by Boyz ‘N The Hood. The magnitude and world-wide impact that his ground-breaking film would have for society cannot be measured. Helping to bring awareness of what it takes to come to maturity as a black male in the 'Hood, or die trying… Helping to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced. Dealing with challenges and adversity in life and in general. From that lesson, for anyone who watches Boyz N’ The Hood, we are able to learn a little more about ourselves and each other. Hopefully, we are able to grow, evolve and gain a deeper love and understanding of our humanity. John Singleton, thank you for your vision. Thank you for holding my hand a little stronger. Thank you for connecting with me and thank you for connecting me to history. Thank you for connecting and transcending generations, nationalities, nations, races, communities, societies. Thank you, John Singleton, for connecting us all. #RIP #JohnSingleton
A post shared by Morris Chestnut (@morrischestnutofficial) on
Nia Long, who also starred in “Boyz n the Hood,” wrote, “We were fearless kids making a movie and telling your story. You saw my special first. You made us believe…then they believed. You changed Hollywood, created stars and knocked down doors. Without your contributions, your vision, your voice, your laugh, your fist pumps and bumps….where would we be? Where would I be? Thank you for loving everything black and pushing the culture forward. I will miss you dearly and love you forever.”
View this post on Instagram
We were fearless kids making a movie and telling your story. You saw my special first. You made us believe…then they believed. You changed Hollywood, created stars and knocked down doors. Without your contributions, your vision, your voice, your laugh, your fist pumps and bumps….where would we be? Where would I be? Thank you for loving everything black and pushing the culture forward. I will miss you dearly and love you forever. ❤️”Nene” #boyznthehood
A post shared by Nia Long (@iamnialong) on
Regina King, who also starred in “Boyz n the Hood,” wrote on Instagram that she’s “having trouble finding enough words to share just what you mean to me.”
“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,” she wrote alongside several pictures of the pair. “Will always love you John! Your spirit will forever shine bright.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Regina King (@iamreginaking) on
Oscar-nominated director Spike Lee recalled the first time he met Singleton.
Lee 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.”
He continued: “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.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Spike Lee (@officialspikelee) on
“Mourning the loss of a collaborator & True Friend John Singleton,” Samuel L. Jackson tweeted Monday. “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!”
Oscar-nominated director Jordan Peele said Singleton’s “vision changed everything,” adding that John was “a brave artist and a true inspiration.”
Fellow director Ava DuVernay shared a picture of her and Singleton embracing.
“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,” she wrote. “Kind. Committed. And immensely talented. His films broke ground. His films mattered. He will be missed. And long remembered. Thank you, John.”
Rapper Snoop Dogg, who starred in Singleton’s 2001 film “Baby Boy,” described him as the epitome of “black excellence.”
“Thank you for all that you gave to the world the movies the messages the opportunities to so many people like myself to grace the big screen in a major role with major black actors,” he wrote. “You were and will allways (sic) be black excellence love you for life and beyond.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg) on
Screenwriter and actress Lena Waithe said “this one cuts deep,” adding that “you’ll never be forgotten. Cause your work will live on.”
Janelle Monáe called Singleton a “GENIUS.” She added, “Thank you for capturing US like no other.”
Magic Johnson added, “Cookie and I are deeply saddened to hear about the untimely passing of our friend and outstanding filmmaker John Singleton.”
The Academy remembered Singleton as the “youngest-ever Best Director nominee and an inspiration to us all.”
Singleton was nominated for two Oscars for 1991’s “Boyz n the Hood,” becoming not only the youngest best director nominee, but the first black person nominated for the same award.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People said, “John Singleton was a great director and storyteller who was never afraid to show African Americans in complex, multidimensional roles. We hope that his legacy will inspire a new generation of filmmakers to turn a positive and progressive lens toward minorities in this country.”
Source: Read Full Article