Spike Lee, Jordan Peele & Others Mourn the Passing of John Singleton

John Singleton, 51, was taken off life support on Monday after being in a medically induced coma. Following the heartbreaking news, several celebrities spoke out about the impact the Oscar-nominated director had had on their lives.

“I Will Forever Miss My Brother John Singleton. We Met While He Was A Film Student At USC,” fellow filmmaker Spike Lee recalled in an Instagram post. “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.”

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I Will Forever Miss My Brother John Singleton. 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.

A post shared by Spike Lee (@officialspikelee) on Apr 29, 2019 at 12:50pm PDT

Singleton’s debut film, Boyz n the Hood (1991), became revered for how it compassionately depicted life for young Black men in South Central Los Angeles. The following year, he earned a Best Director Academy Award nomination for the mainstream hit, becoming the youngest person and first African-American to do so.

The acclaimed director was hospitalized after suffering a “major stroke” on April 17.

“RIP John Singleton. So sad to hear,” Jordan Peele tweeted about the news. “John was a brace artist and a true inspiration. His vision changed everything.”

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

Check out what other prominent figures in Black Hollywood, including Regina King, Robert Townsend and Shonda Rhimes, had to say about the iconic filmmaker below.

Regina King

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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 what you mean to me. Will always love you John! Your spirit will forever shine bright💜

A post shared by Regina King (@iamreginaking) on Apr 29, 2019 at 10:37am PDT

Jordan Peele

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

Shonda Rhimes

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There was a time when I was struggling to pay my bills in film school and not sure this town was for me. And one day, not long after Boyz N The Hood exploded on the scene, my phone rang. It was John Singleton. John did not know me at all. But someone at USC had told him I was talented and he was kindly calling to offer me some words of encouragement. He told me to keep writing. I never forgot it. Praying for him and for his family now.

A post shared by Shonda Rhimes (@shondarhimes) on Apr 25, 2019 at 7:36pm PDT

Jamie Foxx

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God blessings… you changed a culture with your art… and impacted the world with your vision… my prayers are still up… hoping for a miracle… @johnsingleton #prayers

A post shared by Jamie Foxx (@iamjamiefoxx) on Apr 29, 2019 at 11:42am PDT

Wu-Tang Clan

Sending out Love To John Singleton and his Family. We Pray with you in the Struggle for our Brother. Peace

— Wu Tang Clan (@WuTangClan) April 29, 2019

Franklin Leonard

Rest in Power John Singleton.
Gone too damn soon. https://t.co/xdNKqAytnF

— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) April 29, 2019

Robert Townsend

My prayers go out today to John Singleton and his family. May God bless the young cinematic king who gave us images that will stay with us forever.🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tohsQTUPbj

— Robert Townsend (@Robert_Townsend) April 29, 2019

Michael Rapaport

God Bless this guy.
John Singleton Damn.
Such a nice guy.Talented guy.Generous
Gave so many people there Big Breaks.
What a nice loyal guy he was.#johnsingleton
Literally gave me the opportunity of my career. Was so supportive t& was my biggest fan making Higher Learning pic.twitter.com/c2xSCXfg2C

— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) April 29, 2019

Cheo Hodari Coker

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No words. I love you man. You’ve been a big brother to me since 1996 and have always had my back. And I have yours. So many memories, laughs, lessons, and insights that I’ll play forward, like you did for all of us when you paved the way.

A post shared by Cheo Hodari Coker (@cheo_hodari_coker) on Apr 29, 2019 at 11:42am PDT

Tyrese

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A post shared by TYRESE (@tyrese) on Apr 29, 2019 at 6:41am PDT

Chance the Rapper

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

Joy Reid

John Singleton was a true inspiration. He made movies that told our stories, and he showed us that there could be limitless possibilities for young, black, creative people. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/6BLqMQXjPV

— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) April 29, 2019