‘This is heartbreaking’: Fans, celebrities reflect on legacy of John Singleton after news of death
On Monday, John Singleton died at 51 after being taken off life support following a major stroke.
» RELATED: 'Boyz N the Hood' director John Singleton to be taken off life support, family says
The director and screenwriter, known as the first African American to be nominated for best director at the Academy Awards, is known for his films “Boyz N the Hood,” “Poetic Justice,” “Baby Boy” and more.
As news of his death spread, several people, including other famous filmmakers such as Robert Townsend and Jordan Peele, took to social media to reflect on his legacy.
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
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
Representing for John Singleton today. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/DcMt2ieNJ9
— Matthew A. Cherry 🏁 (@MatthewACherry) April 29, 2019
Others posted about Singleton’s work, noting his passion for documenting African American life in Los Angeles and elsewhere.
Heartbreaking. John Singleton provided nuanced portrayals of Black life before it was a trending topic. I still remember writing a paper on Boyz N the Hood, tearing up in the @NorthwesternU library at the "Ricky" scene despite having seen it dozens of times. An icon, period. https://t.co/gWwwgxIbPV
— Kyra Kyles (@thekylesfiles) April 29, 2019
South Central Cinema lives on!
— Malikai ® (@MALIKAI) April 29, 2019
John Singleton was one of my favorite directors its so much I can say about him he knew how to keep it real in storytelling and he gave so many Black entertainers a chance to shine in a cool yet authentic way.
See you in the forward life ! pic.twitter.com/CA15ctWa9D
John Singleton is the first Black American nominated for the best directing Oscar and he has always remained committed to portraying Black urban life onscreen. No matter what happens next, he deserves every flower there is. For Poetic Justice alone, he deserves every flower. pic.twitter.com/Xsgfa3Nkad
— Evette Dionne 🤷🏾♀️ (@freeblackgirl) April 29, 2019
Some shared their favorite memories of Singleton.
My memory of John Singleton? Seeing him in traffic one morning on La Brea. He was headed South, I was going North. We happened to stop next to each other and I screamed 'I LOVE YOU!' Those tight eyes got big lol. He laughed, and said, "Thank you."
— Brenda L. Greene (@NewseeOne) April 29, 2019
I celebrate you @SHAFT6816 😚😍
RIP John Singleton. I remember moderating a discussion with him at the first #ComplexCon. I’ll never forget our discussion of Rosewood, a movie that fundamentally changed the way I thought about race & justice as a kid.
— deray (@deray) April 29, 2019
he said “I know u can be funny yeah but that ain’t all u a are” #johnsingleton pic.twitter.com/5lXCINgpTr
— DeRAY DAVIS: HOOD HERO (@DeRayDavis) April 29, 2019
And a few remembered his accomplishments and vowed to carry on his legacy.
Thank you for your landscape and legendary visions John Singleton. Embracing our culture on a scale many thought wouldn’t be possible.. we will continue your legacy 😔✊🏿
— Tez (@SpreadLoveTez) April 29, 2019
John Singleton was the first black director to be nominated for an Oscar. To this day, no black man or woman has snagged that trophy. We got work to do!! pic.twitter.com/gYDiAE6Wr8
— Jeremy Benbow (@JBen_26) April 29, 2019
John Singleton...thank you. We will keep your legacy alive with the complex stories about our lives. Thank you sir. I so wish that our paths crossed. 🌺
— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) April 29, 2019
Rest in power, peace and purpose John Singleton. This is so heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/EdlfGIditG
— Barin Nelyse, PhD (@BarinNelyse) April 29, 2019
» RELATED: Daughter of 'Boyz n the Hood' director John Singleton disputes that he's in a coma
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
