Hollywood director John Singleton dies at 51

John Singleton American film director, has died after suffering from a stroke. The Oscar-nominated screenwriter, who is known for his films including Boyz N The Hood, Shaft was 51-years-old.

A family source who confirmed the News yesterday said that the filmmaker passed away peacefully,  surrounded by friends and family shortly after being removed from life support in Los Angeles.


"We want to thank his fans, friends and colleagues for the love and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," they said.

Singleton received Oscar nominations in 1992 for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director for "Boyz N the Hood," which he wrote, directed and produced in his early 20s, just out of the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.

In 1992, Singleton became the first African-American filmmaker to be nominated for an Oscar as best director.

His other work includes "Poetic Justice," starring Janet Jackson, and the FX crime drama "Snowfall," an exploration of the rise of crack cocaine in his hometown of Los Angeles.

He also made the coming-of-age story "Baby Boy," a remake of the action film "Shaft" and an installment in the "Fast and Furious franchise, "2 Fast 2 Furious.”