Tony Scott and Brain Cancer: Could Disease Have Caused Suicide?
It has been revealed that director Tony Scott, who leaped to his death in Los Angeles, had inoperable brain cancer. A source close to Scott admitted to ABC News that the situation was grim and could have influenced Scott's decision to end his own life.
Additional reporting has stated that Scott left several "goodbye" notes to family and friends before parking on the Vincent Thomas Bridge in L.A., scaling its protective wall, and jumping. The director had helped create classics such as "Top Gun," "Days of Thunder," and "Beverly Hills Cop II."
Hollywood has reacted to the news with a great deal of sadness and shock; Twitter users have paid homage to the director's death, as his name along with several of his movies are now trending. Celebrities have expressed their condolences online, testifying to the man's brilliance and leadership.
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"Taking a moment to reflect on Tony Scott's life & work! My sympathies to his family. Feeling the loss," tweeted actor Samuel L. Jackson. His message is one of many that actors, other directors, and fans have shared in the wake of the loss.
Scott worked with such celebrities as Jackson, Tom Cruise, and Nicole Kidman on his films. He ran Scott Free Productions with his older brother, Ridley Scott, who is also a director. The couple's company enjoyed great success with CBS' hit series "The Good Wife," among others.
"So sad to hear the news about Tony Scott," tweeted Justin Timberlake. "His movies made growing up more fun for me. My prayers and condolences to the Scott family."
"Tony Scott… You left us too soon. How terribly sad. What a lovely, kind human being you were. I will love and miss you much. Blessings to your family. Rest in Peace," added Rosario Dawson.
In a 1995 interview, Scott talked about his passion for film and adventure.
"The biggest edge I live on is directing," he told reporters. "That's the most scary, dangerous thing you can do in your life. The scariest thing in my life is the first morning of production on all my movies. It's the fear of failing, the loss of face, and a sense of guilt that everybody puts their faith in you and not coming through."
The Scott family has acknowledged the death but has not confirmed or denied the rumor of inoperable brain cancer. Instead, speaking through a family spokesman, they requested "that their privacy be respected at this time."
