John Singleton, maker of 'Boyz N the Hood,' dies at 51
NEW YORK — Director John Singleton, who made one of Hollywood’s most memorable debuts with the Oscar-nominated “Boyz N the Hood” and continued over the following decades to probe the lives of black communities in his native Los Angeles and beyond, has died. He was 51.
Singleton’s family said Monday that he died in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends, after being taken off life support. Earlier this month, the director suffered a major stroke.
Singleton was in his early 20s, just out of the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, when he wrote, directed and produced “Boyz N the Hood.” Based on Singleton’s upbringing and shot in his old neighborhood, the low-budget production starred Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ice Cube.
Most recently, Singleton, who regretted turning down the chance to direct on the first season of “The Wire,” turned his focus largely to television. He directed episodes of “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (for which he was nominated for an Emmy), “Empire” and “Billions.” He co-created and executive produced “Snowfall,” directing three episodes.
