Filmmaker Tony Scott Commits Suicide

By Jake Weston on August 20, 2012

Director Tony Scott, responsible for films such as Top Gun, True Romance, and Man on Fire, committed suicide yesterday in Los Angeles.

The brother and filmmaking partner of Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator), the 68 year-old filmmaker was seen parking his car over the Vincent Thomas Bridge, promptly jumping off the bridge “without hesitation”, according to The Daily Breeze. Los Angeles officials recovered the remains, which were identified by a coroner as the late director. A suicide note was reportedly found in his office. It has been rumored that the primary reason for suicide was due to a terminal illness, though these reports are unconfirmed.

From a young age, brothers Tony and Ridley made collaborated on making films together, first appearing in Ridley Scott’s short “Boy and His Bicycle”. Over the next two decades, Tony Scott directed thousands of commercials before directing his first feature film, 1983′s The Hunger. He would follow this up in 1986, changing the pop culture landscape of America with his sophomore effort Top Gun.

Top Gun, 1986

Scott’s work has received massive commercial success, with films such as Beverly Hills Cop II, True Romance, Enemy of the State and Man on Fire. His most recent film, Unstoppable, was released in 2010 to critical and commercial success. While his work never earned him an Academy Award nomination, it cannot be denied the impact that many of his films had, permeating their way into the cinematic lexicon.

This news is shocking and incredibly saddening. My heart goes out to his friends and family, including his wife and two children. I know I’ll be spending the next few days revisiting the works of this wonderful filmmaker.