Legendary director John Singleton has passed away after suffering a massive stroke on April 17. Singleton, who was 51, went to a hospital complaining of weakness in one leg after arriving in the U.S. on a flight from Costa Rica.
While in the hospital, he suffered a massive stroke and was placed on life support in Cedars Sinai Hospital’s intensive care unit.
Singleton was pronounced dead on Monday, after his family revealed he would be taken off a ventilator that supported his breathing.
“This was an agonizing decision, one that our family made, over a number of days, with the careful counsel of John’s doctors,” the family stated. “We are grateful to his fans, friends and colleagues for the (outpouring) of love and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. We want to thank all the doctors at Cedars Sinai for the impeccable care he received.”
Actress Taraji P. Henson, center, and actor Tyrese Gibson were among the last to see Singleton before he passed.
Taraji, 48, who was a frequent collaborator with Singleton, took to Instagram.com to write:
“Visited you today. Me and @tyrese prayed so hard over you. You heard my voice and jumped up. I HAVE HOPE AND FAITH BECAUSE I KNOW THAT #GODIS. Keep praying #EVERYBODY for our beloved @johnsingleton”.
Gibson, 40, who worked with Singleton on the movie Baby Boy, added:
“Heavy heart, state of shock but there was something powerful about feeling the presence of God that gave us the reassurance that God is going to pull him through this… The idea that me and taraji prayed hard over john so much history so much genuine love… We can only hope and keep praying that God brings him back to us!”
Singleton was nominated for two Oscars for 1991’s “Boyz n the Hood,” becoming the youngest best director nominee and first black person nominated for the same award.
His other films include “Poetic Justice,” starring Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur, “Shaft,” “Baby Boy,” “2 Fast 2 Furious” and “Four Brothers.”
Singleton is survived by his mother, father Danny Singleton and seven children: Justice, Maasai, Hadar, Cleopatra, Selenesol, Isis and Seven.
Photos by Getty Images, WENN.com
So they finally confirmed it
RIP??
Wow this is so sad! I swear hospitals give you know time to make a decision to take someone off life support!!
No disrespect to his family but I think I can speak on this topic since my family went through the same thing when my loved one had a sudden massive stroke. We were told they should be removed from life support because they had little brain activity but literally a few days later, my loved one came out of the coma and recognized everyone. Now there was some short term memory loss but my loved one recovered . My point is, don’t give up on your loved ones so soon. My family had and has faith in God and we literally witnessed a miracle. RIP
He was awesome in Candyman.
play Auntie Sandra./
can you do a write up on the 15 year old kid who was innocent and violently beaten by police?
?? thank you for your contribution to black society John.
RIP to one of the best directors for black movies.
Prayers up to his family…rest in peace John…you will be missed
John Singleton was not in Candyman. As far as I know, he was a director.
No words……………………………
But PSALM:23
Agreed, I shared my personal experience with this very same issue when my loved one had a massive stroke.
Prayers and praise goes out to Mr.Singleton..
Man Rip brother
Rip legend.
If anyone wants a testimony of that watch the new movie “BreakThrough”. True story.
Yesssss
This man trailblazed his way through the movie industry and brought so many folks up with him. Blessing and prayers to his loved ones and may they find peace in knowing this man found, lived and shared his gift with the world, in his lifetime. https://media3.giphy.com/media/3oFzmrqh43AvYwn9Cw/giphy.gif
Will do. Thanks for sharing.
His money means more to them than his life.
Well said!
Unfortunately, it appears that way but…. This is just sad.
Nah, that was Tony Todd!
He may have had some sort of directive stating that he didn’t want to be on life support or if that he wanted to be removed after a certain amount of time. Some people do not want to stay alive on machines indefinitely. I know my mother didn’t. She passed away from cancer and prior to her passing when she was still able to think for herself she was rushed to the hospital while I was at work. I immediately left to go to the hospital and when I got there I noticed she had an arm band on that said Do Not Resuscitate.
I was upset because I wanted them to do whatever they could if something would have happened but she refused to change it.
Anyway, there’s no way to know for certain what his wishes were. Just putting that out there.
Are you claiming his family reacted to soon? Because that would definitely be an inappropriate and insensitive comment steeped in ignorance.
They couldn’t wait at least a couple of months before pulling the plug ?? Dang, RIP.
That is factually inaccurate.
That’s her lame attempt at humour.
Exactly!
How come Snowfall is not mentioned in his credits?
We are all issued a date of birth and death. However may it come. Immediately that is sealed. He will be missed I’m sure. The lesson is although he will never walk under this earthly sun again, his loved ones still are and what shall they do with theirselves before their day. As he came, he took nothing that they are fighting over with him. The best remembrance they can do is show some responsibility and respect to his hard work and legacy. Those coins they are fighting over, will not go with them either.
He was an artist and a talent, whose long years of work ( like others – Aretha, Prince) will live long into eternity.
He didn’t just make “black” theme movies. He also directed the F&F movie, and many others.
Sleep in Heaven John, thank you for all of your creative contributions. My prayers to your family, friends and other loved ones. YOu shall be missed! https://media2.giphy.com/media/qQdL532ZANbjy/giphy.gif
They couldn’t wait until he died. Couldnt have keep him on life support longer?
That is what I was thinking. .
Did you mean to send this to me? I’m aware of who he was, I’m speaking on those left concerned with his coins.
why would you keep a person on life support longer? He was non-functioning clinically dead.
They pulled that plug quick.
Rest in Power John Singleton
This is sad. Ricky dying and higher learning shook me to the core as a kid.
I think they did the right thing. Why keep the man on life support for a couple of months if the doctors determined that he’s brain dead?
I am in shock. Ithought he was still in a coma. Wtf is going on, im speechless .
Having to decide to pull the plug on a relative or spouse is one of the hardest things EVER.
People, as macarbe as it may seem, PLEASE let your spouse, signif other, family or close friend know your wishes. God forbid something happen where a decision needs to be made, but if so, please make sure that somebody knows what YOU would’ve wanted done. In writing, or on video, if at all possible. Know their wishes also.
My estranged brother and I fought bitterly over whether or not to pull the plug on my late mother’s life support. Everyone espoused what they “thought” she might’ve wanted, but nobody knew for sure. (Turns out she was doing so badly that we had no choice but to end her suffering.) But it could’ve been avoided. Years b4 she died, I’d tried to get everybody in my immediate family to make wills, take out individual life insurance policies, (at least enough for burial expenses), and to document what they’d like to be done in case xyz happened, but nope. My country relatives were like “Only them yt folks do stuff like that, then they kill each other for insurance money. We don’t need to do that stuff.” I wasn’t talking about millions, heck even a $10k policy will help with burial expenses. Luckily my mother took heed to some of what I was saying, but the others laughed & scoffed.
That lack of fore site and planning, made me mad as hell, but what can you do? Yet those same ones will be looking crazy if something does happen. Then it’s “WE all need to come together to pay for so & so’s funeral…” Well forgive me in advance, but nope. Not when I got cursed out for suggesting that so & so get their affairs in order YEARS ago. Sorry that I’m not more sorry.
I simply shared my story and perspective because my family faced this situation in real life. I opened my comment stating I mean no disrespect. I wonder how one can conclude that I’m being inaapropiate or insensitive when I’m encouraging ppl not to give up so soon IF you are left to decide the fate of a loved one. My message is miracles still happen.
OT…My friend was telling me she read that Tina Turner has stomach cancer and not doing well
It’s sad to say or even think it but that probably is the real reason they pulled the plug so quickly, as that was made obvious hours after he had the stroke and they were already fighting over control of his money. Now let the gloves come off and the in-fighting begin. That’s so unfortunate.
I’m glad you bought this up. That may very well be the case. My loved one had no DNR in place so the family had to make the decisions. My dad had a DNR in place and I’m glad he did because I couldnt imagine being in the position to make a decision like that. Idk the facts on what happened with John, however, I wanted to share my personal perspective as it hits so closes to home. I hope your mom did not suffer.
Come they with the knowledge Wang!! You are so right this needs to be done by everyone !! Sorry you had to go thru that with your mom and sorry for your loss!!
Very well said
What a talent. RIP John. I hope his family handle his affairs with dignity.
Oh no!!?
Agreed and that’s why I don’t think he had a DNR in place. John was still relatively young and was not battling an ongoing illness. Unfortunately, we’ve seen these types of situations when ppl pass without a will. Look at Prince and most recently Aretha Franklin. It’s sad to read how the family is fighting and he hasn’t even been laid to rest yet.
RIP John ???
John I just want to say thank you for your talent. You opened doors for a lot of our men and women. You were able to show another side of black life and we are always grateful to you for that. Relax now. You are a legend with a beautiful legacy for your children to be proud of. To the fam and friends, just stay in the good times until it begins to feel good again.
I wonder if John had a DNR. Maybe that caused some of the drama at the hospital and it might explain why all efforts to save him ceased rather suddenly.
Hey Yardie, thank you. IJS, times like that are trying enough you know. The time to make decisions is wayyyy before you HAVE to.
I really hate that death is apart of this hectic journey.
I thought he had no children because the mother wanted to be over his business affairs. this seems strange. like they figured he was going to pass so lets do it now for business reasons.
Agreed. I hate too, that death can bring out the absolute worst in those that are left behind.
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he probalby had a blood clot from being on a long plane ride. this happens all the time, then a stroke, Im not at the hospital but in this case the family shouldve give it more time. he can afford to stay at the hospital. i have heard about this kinda high altitude problems for years. singleton has always looked sickly to me. if they wouldve let him rest up maybe his body wouldve healed. if you dont believe me do an internet search of airplane blood clot stroke.
Read the threads prior to yours.
IN TEARS.
Rest in Peace brilliant Mr. Singleton. Hopefully the Oscars will give Director Singleton a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.
She was quite ill a few months ago. Gayle King interviewed her. Google Gayle King Tina Turner CBS interview. Tina’s almost 80 years and the only surviving member of her family.
AMEN.
john singleton made great art and helped a lot of people find careers. he gave a lot of chances to working black actors. a lot of people owe their careers to him. hopefully he went peacefully. I hope his children find comfort.
I did. what am i missing.
If it wasnt for you folks like morris chestnut nia long ice cube n others would have never been introduced 2 us. Thanks for hiring us when no one else would. Folks complain about black movies but dont complain when other movie sets have people that look like them. But if we do it it is a problem especially with our own black people.
For what?
They did the right thing. Aint nobody trying 2 b like that lady with her daughter in a coma for years playing with god with her fake movement videos.
Same thing happened to Heavy D.
RIP. Your legacy will live on forever.
Sometimes, rather than preface a statement, just keep it respectful from the jump. There are so many factors that impact stroke outcomes. The type of stroke (ischemic, hemorrhagic) the blood vessels and area of the brain affected, degree of injury, and the degree of subsequent consequence and complications (brain swelling, herniations). That doesnt take into account time to initial intervention, the patient’s baseline health, age, and, other health conditions (ie diabetes, longstanding Hypertension, kidney disease, etc).
It is simply impossible to compare two otherwise unknown patients’ outcomes based on supposition.
1 million dollars in unmarked Bill’s could fall from the sky as a miracle….but in this case what’s the relevance?
mzwhang90210 hey sis, I was thinking that same thing the other day. Wr as a people have to do better at planning for such a time as this. Thanks for posting this to remind us to just get enough to put ourselves or love ones away. 1 love family! Rip John Singleton, a light that was sent by the Supreme Creator to give our sisters and brothers a platform to portray his vision of organic, pure and raw talent, which only we can do.
It’s a sad day. ? R. I. P
So sad. Such a talented guy. Universally respected for his talent.
I remember seeing him a while back and thinking he didn’t look well. Something about him looked unhealthy, he looked over-aged (older than he was which is rare for Blacks), his complexion had changed and he had gained weight, like maybe his diet was off.
Whatever the case, he used his God-given talent to make his mark on the world and at the end of the day, that is a life well-lived.
https://media2.giphy.com/media/L9EqMZvn2a0fK/giphy.gif
“We who have grown up with John, made movies with him, sailed with John and laughed with John, know the universe of calm and creativity he created for so many. Now in the wake of his death, we must navigate the storm without him. It is, for us, heartbreaking.”
The Family
I don’t think so.
The daughter was just in denial.
This is triggering me over my dad.
Just said today I was at peace over his death but I guess not. They wanted us to pull the plug on him, and at the very last minute we decided not to. He was a state away with no family and too sick to transport. We Had spent a week there, my sis and I. Had already decided we would and checked out the hotel. Then got to the hospital to say goodbye, and was like hell naw. We’re not turning him off. So for almost three months, we took turns driving back and forth to Charleston, SC. 5 hours away. His brothers did the same. Nieces. Nephews. He regained consciousness and everything in those months. Was able to talk. Was taking calls. Even made a few. Was making a few strides and then took a turn for the worse. Had organ failure and passed pretty quickly after that. What if we would have cut him off? The hospital was certainly pushing us in that direction. Advocate for your loved one. Doctors don’t know everything. God has the final say.
Love Snowfall
everybody liked heavy d. it was a shame when he passed. this has to be a lesson to all of us to walk around every so many hours.
I remember that from a few years back. It was hurting for you and your family. I hadn’t started posting yet but I mourned with you Dub!! I admire your strength and resilience! My dad had 2 massive strokes back to back last year. They did an emergency surgery with a 50/50 chance. He’s still with us but he’s just a shell of what he used to be ? Blessings to and yours always girl!!! ???
Yes I remember that. So sad!! ?
Awe man stay strong! Thanks for these words! God bless him! Its been 2 years but it feels like 2 weeks sometimes. Tis hard. I keep pushing tho. What he would have wanted. Prayers for you and Papa Solstice
This is so sad. Rest in Heaven to a groundbreaking producer. I can still remember the first time I saw Boyz in Da Hood, I was in awe. What a game changer.
My thoughts to his family and loved ones. He made his mark with his spectacular body of work and will not be forgotten.
Hypertension is a real threat in the Black community, check your blood pressure at all times,life is short.
Whang. I am so very sorry for your loss. ? Sickness and death bring out the worst in people especially family! You’re so right. I’m only 40 but my affairs and wishes are in order and clearly stated. Not a one of us is promised tomorrow. ??
I believe it was the heart issues and hypertension. His eyes bulged and his skin didn’t look great.
Such a loss for the black community and Hollywood. Praying for his families strength
We have to keep pushing! One day at a time! Thank you ????
R.I.P
As a future cameraman ? won’t let you down.
I was looking through old photos of John for a Life in Photos post. When he was in his 30s he looked older than his parents. ?
Where is the picture??
Such a talented man….RIP?
Thank you!
So unfortunate. Smh. Its completely disheartening to see how people who didn’t have a good relationship with folks, will be the first to fight over a person’s money when they die.
Your right.
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this link, it spoke volumes!
John Singleton was so loved!
I didn’t know he had 7 kids…. RIP! ??
Sending love & light your way. You know I was recently triggered myself. https://media0.giphy.com/media/diAhf8bYer76E/giphy.gif
R.I.P. John Singleton! Your journey ended on this side of the everlasting!
Thanks for your beautiful and shining legacy!
The Nipsey Hussle memorial (his mom) has helped me view death differently, something I’ve been wrestling with (grief)!.
Also, this lost is a reminder for myself about “self-care”…being over-extended, stressed-out, not enough me time, always being “the go to person”….
“Guilt!”
Trying to be there for everyone, pushing myself too hard, slacker nutrition and exercise, I will do better!
Life is short. RIP!
Rest in peace. He made history and I am proud of what he accomplished, everyone get monitored and often
Wow!
RIH. I wonder if they were testing for a clot first due to the flight before thinking it was something else. It’s sad so many men are losing their lives to strokes at such a young age. Men just hate visiting a doctor.
Sad, he was young! RIP!
I just watched Boyz n the hood, I better understand it now that I’m older great messages!
Yes! Thought of you too hun. Its been a Crazy past few weeks. Loves ya *hugs*
There’s always hope and a possibility. The doctors ain’t god.
Dr. Sandra was on point the other day when she posted about him sitting on that flight for a long time and blood clots traveling. He went to the hospital because one of his legs was weak. I did some research about leg weakness “A person may feel numbness in their legs and feet due to sitting in a position that puts too much pressure on the nerves or reduces blood flow….” Reduced blood flow = clotting!!! So sad…RIP John….
Welcome luv!?
Just now seeing this sis? So sorry you are hurting. It will be 5 years this Summer that I suddenly lost my mom and even typing this hurts my soul, so I get it!! Sending warm thoughts your way????
Thanks for your commet. I found it helpful.
? The names of his children are very unique and beautiful. Rest easy Mr. Singleton. He’s inspired so many with his work. It wasn’t in vain.
He was a racist and a mysoginist who supported R Kelly.
Yes, indeed they are.
Ditto.
THIS
a reminder for myself about “self-care”…being over-extended, stressed-out, not enough me time, always being “the go to person”….
AND THIS
Trying to be there for everyone, pushing myself too hard, slacker nutrition and exercise, I will do better!
__________________
You ain’t said nothin’ but a word! I say it time and time again. I work two jobs (by choice – so we’re clear) 7 days a week. But when I have that OFF day…….I’m OFF! Yesterday evening, I laid on my couch, wrapped in a blanket and shut the entire world off around me……..that is, until I woke up to Grand-Sun talking about “huh (here)” while trying to stick something in my mouth. Scariest sh!t ever. LMAOOOO
THANK YOU for sharing your testimony. We appreciate you. I am sure this was difficult to recall. Blessings.
Now, I am being triggered; help me Lord. My mom died over 30 years ago. I PROMISE YOU I remember everything about the last time I saw her in that hospital bed. Smells, faces, feelings. It is amazing to me how some things are close to heart such that they are NEVER, EVER forgotten. And as a small child at the time, I was confused.
Genterfication Lawrence spoke it then now people finally understand.
Amen! Just seeing this and BIG hugs from me?? Your daddy is in a better place and wouldn’t want You to feel sad over his passing! https://media0.giphy.com/media/EvYHHSntaIl5m/giphy.gif
Thanks so much! Blessings!
Hugs to you too Sis https://media0.giphy.com/media/VIPdgcooFJHtC/giphy.gif
Im sure it was a confusing time. As a KID. Lord that makes me so sad. I feel for the kids. Keep pushing babes!
*hugs you*
???????? https://media2.giphy.com/media/GXFDStd2CP1ba/giphy.gif
Heavy D’s passing hurt me BAD! Such a beautiful soul????????
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Welcome sis!
He was battling hypertension. He looks ok in that picture but there is another picture where you can see he looks unwell. Rest easy Mr. Singleton.
Oh sweetie, I am in tears because I KNOW what you mean. It does not matter the length of time, you remember like it was yesterday. Sending warm thoughts your way *hugs*
Thanks babes. I needs it.
I agree. He would be like REALLY?! You in your feelings over ME??? Lol. Thanks hun
I noticed he wasn’t aging well. He was 51, but he looked so much older.
It had me all the way misty eyed last night. Shew!
Hypertension that silent assassin.. RIP..
People drink water, check your numbers, find a destressing activity, exercise. REST.
You don’t even go here. Sshhh.
And, lemme guess. You support Trump who’s a racist.
You must have nothing better to do than to go around trolling on black blogs & websites.
That’s all their lonely desperate attention seeking asses ever do. Stay in black folks business. They want us to care about them so damn bad…but we just dont ????
His ass a misogynist too!
Self-care is uber important and under-appreciated in the black community…specifically by black women.
If you dont worry about mayo folks affairs! Why in the hell are you not over on People dot com someplace? FOH
Strongly encourage all to read Morris Chestnut’s tribute on his IG. It was beautiful, perfect.
I agree. More time should’ve been allotted. However, maybe brain function wasn’t there. But he had the means for the family explore more options. Speculation, outsiders looking in. You never know until it hits home.
It sure was. I loved Taraji’s too. Tyrese nailed it too. I dont like him much, but I feel so bad for him right now bc he really seems so sad with John and Paul Walker being gone. Posted a pic of them together and the caption simply said “No Words”. When have we EVER known Ty to be without words? He may need a wellness check.
Thanks for the info. Never even heard of him having a prior stroke. Just wow!! With having a prior stroke, seems he should’ve had medical directives in place.
Thank you for your kind words!!
Wow, thanks for sharing.
Leave us alone! Please and Thank you. RIP John, you were a legend.
How do you figure he was racist?
My personal experience is the relevance. No experience is identical, however, the comment section is a place to add one’s own personal comment based on their perspective and/or knowledge. I’ve learned many things just reading through the comment section on this blog because most of the people here seem to be coming from a good place and seem to genuinely care for one another which is rare on a blog. If you have a personal problem with my comment, that’s ok, however, it seems that you are attempting to turn my comment into something else. I did not disrespect Johns family whatsoever. He is gone but unfortunately, he won’t be the last person to suffer from a massive stroke. My comment is for those who may have to deal with a loved one facing extreme odds in a health crisis.
Thank you!
You get it, work hard, play or rest hard! #Goals
Thank you ??!
Heading over to look it up ??????
Amen. My family experienced something similar in that the docyors were pushing my family to take my loved one off life support. A family is already going through major upheaval when a loved one falls ill. Its almost unconscionable that hospital staff
(doctors, administrators) want the family to make a quick decision regarding their loved ones life. I think it’s important to share our personal stories regarding struggles we have faced because it may help another person. I petsonally don’t think you ever get over the death of a loved one, especially a parent BUT I know God will give you the grace and peace necessary to go on.
He black, exactly how is he racist, its important to finish atleast 8th grade.
RIP, Mr. Singleton. Truly a legend and trailblazer. Without Boys N Da Hod, there would have NEVER been a Black Panther. Respect.
Just stop it, sis. Don’t get your panty’s in a bunch… ISSA TROLL!!!! If you ignore IT, IT will go away. Don’t even feed into IT….Just IGNORE IT and ENJOY your day!
I have my own blood pressure monitor machine. Their very inexpensive and easy to operate.
Folks walk’n around here don’t even know they have hypertension.
RIP and no disrespect at all…but they literally named the 7th child, Seven….
Hustle and Flow, Poetic Justice and Baby Boy were my movies, you were so talented-RIP.
me too I have a small wrist one and the old fashioned BP cuff.
so…I know they say when its your time to go, it’s your time, but I find it very frightening that he went to the hospital and he had a stroke WHILE in the hospital. I feel this could have been prevented…what happened? DId they triage him and sent him back out in the waiting room? How could a hospital allow someone to have a STROKE on their watch? What was the point of going to the hospital. SOMEBODY failed, and they better be glad LeapYear ain’t no relative of his because I would be suing the Cedars OFF OF the Sinai… black people if possible, always go to the ER with somebody…they do NOT VALUE our lives…always try to have someone who can be your advocate…I think I told this story before, long story short, was away on business in Tallahasee, Florida had a uterine cyst rupture…had to have emergency surgery, last thing I remember was being wheeled in to the OR by the nurse and when she wheeled me in all I saw was 7, yes I said SEVEN white MEN doctors, as the anesthesia took effect, I remember just closing my eyes and begging GOD to look over me because I know DAMN well, it didn’t take SEVEN surgeons to work on ONE ruptured cyst. Ok, I can give you 2 or 3, maybe even 4…but 7???? Nah homie…
I had no idea he was only 24 when he directed Boyz in da hood
A lil to unique
Thank God you guys had some more time with him despite the hospital wanting you to pull the plug. God always has the final say. People can bounce back from anything, may he rest in peace knowing you guys never gave up on him.
It’s like pullin teeth tryn to make them go to see a physician.
I have the old fashion cuffs
Believe it or not but wimmen are more prone to strokes than meniz
The Holy Spirit comes through for us every time. All we have to do is listen…believe, then obey.
Big hugs to you.
Strength and comfort to you and family Sol.
Don’t git me started. I’ve seen ugliness I could not have imagined.
LMBO yes indeed.
LOL tastefully unique ?
Thank you CH!! ???
I’m not in the medical field but he went to the hospital with leg weakness which is a sign of a stroke. He was already having a stroke when he arrived at the hospital, so they were not negligent. All they could do is provide treatment.
Then you had 7 doctors because they probably were in training.
RIP Mr. Singleton and prayers for your family sir.. Now on a very selfish note… PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT LET THIS AFFECT ‘SNOWFALL’. I need that show!!
Amen Dubsta!!!
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Kudos to you Solstice.
BTW, when it’s time to update the beneficiaries on your insurance policies, my name is spelled W-H-A-N-G.
???