Hollywood stunned: Director of Glengarry Glen Ross and Fifty Shades sequels dies at 71
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The film industry is mourning the loss of a quiet visionary whose work spanned everything from hard-hitting drama to sweeping romance.
James Foley, the acclaimed director behind Glengarry Glen Ross, At Close Range, and the Fifty Shades sequels, has passed away at 71.
Though his name may not have always made headlines, the performances and moments he brought to life left a lasting impact on generations of filmgoers.
James Foley passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 71, following a private battle with brain cancer.
Foley’s journey began in Brooklyn, but his influence spanned the world.
After early attention with 1984’s Reckless, he exploded onto the scene with At Close Range—a gripping family crime drama starring Sean Penn and Christopher Walken, set to Madonna’s haunting ballad “Live to Tell.”
His ability to pull raw, layered performances from actors became a signature—and it only deepened with time.
In 1992, Foley directed what many still consider his masterpiece: Glengarry Glen Ross.
Foley orchestrated a dream cast—Pacino, Lemmon, Baldwin, Harris, Arkin—and delivered one of the most iconic dialogue-driven films in American cinema.
Also read: Remembering Charley Scalies: TV fans mourn the loss of "The Wire" and "Sopranos’" actor
It earned Pacino an Oscar nomination and cemented the film as a cult classic among actors, writers, and directors alike.
Years later, Foley made an unexpected move: stepping in to direct Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.
The shift shocked many, but for Foley, it was about psychology, not just spectacle.
He described the films’ core relationship as a study in power, emotion, and vulnerability—elements he had explored since his earliest work.
The films were box office hits and introduced Foley’s style to a new generation of fans.
Foley’s talents extended to television, where his cinematic instincts elevated some of the most celebrated series of the past two decades.
He directed episodes of Twin Peaks, Hannibal, Billions, and a dozen episodes of House of Cards, showcasing his adaptability and visual precision.
In each medium, he left an unforgettable mark.
Read next: Remembering Shigeru Sugita: The bodybuilding legend whose legacy went far beyond the stage
If you’ve been moved by his work, or if you have a favorite Foley film or TV episode, we’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, memories, and tributes in the comments—let’s celebrate a life well-lived and a career that will inspire filmmakers and audiences for generations to come.
James Foley, the acclaimed director behind Glengarry Glen Ross, At Close Range, and the Fifty Shades sequels, has passed away at 71.
Though his name may not have always made headlines, the performances and moments he brought to life left a lasting impact on generations of filmgoers.
James Foley passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 71, following a private battle with brain cancer.
Foley’s journey began in Brooklyn, but his influence spanned the world.
After early attention with 1984’s Reckless, he exploded onto the scene with At Close Range—a gripping family crime drama starring Sean Penn and Christopher Walken, set to Madonna’s haunting ballad “Live to Tell.”
James Foley, Director of Fifty Shades sequels and Glengarry Glen Ross, dies at 71. Image source: FilmIsNow Epic Movie Zone / YouTube
His ability to pull raw, layered performances from actors became a signature—and it only deepened with time.
In 1992, Foley directed what many still consider his masterpiece: Glengarry Glen Ross.
Foley orchestrated a dream cast—Pacino, Lemmon, Baldwin, Harris, Arkin—and delivered one of the most iconic dialogue-driven films in American cinema.
Also read: Remembering Charley Scalies: TV fans mourn the loss of "The Wire" and "Sopranos’" actor
It earned Pacino an Oscar nomination and cemented the film as a cult classic among actors, writers, and directors alike.
Years later, Foley made an unexpected move: stepping in to direct Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.
The shift shocked many, but for Foley, it was about psychology, not just spectacle.
He described the films’ core relationship as a study in power, emotion, and vulnerability—elements he had explored since his earliest work.
The films were box office hits and introduced Foley’s style to a new generation of fans.
Foley’s talents extended to television, where his cinematic instincts elevated some of the most celebrated series of the past two decades.
He directed episodes of Twin Peaks, Hannibal, Billions, and a dozen episodes of House of Cards, showcasing his adaptability and visual precision.
In each medium, he left an unforgettable mark.
Read next: Remembering Shigeru Sugita: The bodybuilding legend whose legacy went far beyond the stage
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