Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme died on Wednesday at the age of 73 and since the news of his passing broke reactions have been pouring in from the many celebs he has worked with.
As we previously reported, Demme passed away from esophageal cancer. He also had complications from heart disease. He leaves behind a wife, Joanne and three children, Ramona, Brooklyn and Jos.
The filmmaker is best known for directing The Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia. He also directed Caged Heat, Crazy Mama and Fighting Mad. The Oscar winner’s most recent work includes Rachel Getting Married, Ricki and the Flash and a concert documentary that was titled Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids.
“Jonathan taught us how big a heart a person can have and how it will guide how we live and what we do for a living,” Tom Hanks, who worked with Demme on Philadelphia, said in a statement to EW. “He was the grandest of men.”
Other celebrities and Hollywood stars have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late director.
Deeply sad to hear my friend, neighbor, and colleague Jonathan Demme has passed on. He was one of the real good guys. I miss you, buddy.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) April 26, 2017
Jonathan Demme was a great artist, humanitarian, activist & a warm encouraging colleague. I've known very few like him. He will be missed https://t.co/wQv5QRqHoN
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) April 26, 2017
Dear God, no! I loved #JonathanDemme! He was my bridge to the Talking Heads, Harris & Hannibal, New Order and honest cinematic storytelling. https://t.co/vOCRfD23dg
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) April 26, 2017
RIP #JonathanDemme One of the greats!
— Tony Goldwyn (@tonygoldwyn) April 26, 2017
This loss hurts deep. With my abiding friend and brother beloved @jonathandemme at #StandingRock. Not a kinder soul has ever lived. RIP, JD. pic.twitter.com/vOz1kLoNLc
— Tavis Smiley (@tavissmiley) April 26, 2017
Jonathan Demme optioned The Orchid Thief and steered it to becoming "Adaptation". He was brilliant, charming, warm, funny. RIP, Jonathan.
— Susan Orlean (@susanorlean) April 26, 2017
Sad to hear that Jonathan Demme has passed.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) April 26, 2017
Very sad to hear of the passing of the great Jonathan Demme. Admired his movies, his documentaries, his concert films. He could do anything.
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) April 26, 2017
Dear God, no! I loved #JonathanDemme! He was my bridge to the Talking Heads, Harris & Hannibal, New Order and honest cinematic storytelling. https://t.co/vOCRfD23dg
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) April 26, 2017
Ted Demme and I were worried about making The Ref when his uncle Jonathan Demme said something profound: "Stop talking and start shooting."
— Denis Leary (@denisleary) April 26, 2017
I know now that this was also the last time I saw Jonathan Demme. Fitting that it was in an act of love and generosity. Such a kind man. https://t.co/qYUZqXz2NU
— Barry Jenkins (@BandryBarry) April 26, 2017
Just heard Jonathan Demme has passed. I can't process. He's a hero, an artist, an example, a goal, a visionary, a pinnacle & a master. RIP
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) April 26, 2017
RIP dearest Jonathan Demme. The world lost one of its purest, most loving and talented souls today. My heart is broken. I love you.
— Christine Lahti (@ChristineALahti) April 26, 2017
Happier times. I will always love you Jonathan Demme. pic.twitter.com/grZRknHClb
— Nia Vardalos (@NiaVardalos) April 26, 2017
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