Tony Scott, 'Top Gun' Director, Leaps to Death; Hollywood Remembers Legend
Director Tony Scott has died after reportedly jumping from the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Los Angeles. 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.
"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 drove to the bridge, parked, and left a note with contact information inside the vehicle before scaling a fence and leaping to his death, according to The Los Angeles Times. His body was retrieved from the water nearly four hours later, and police discovered a suicide note in his office.
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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 and requested "that their privacy be respected at this time."
