John Singleton suffered a stroke at the hospital earlier this week, but is under “great medical care,” Singleton’s family said in a statement Saturday (Apr. 20) following reports that the legendary film director had been hospitalized.
Singleton’s family said the filmmaker had a “mild” stroke Wednesday (Apr. 17) while at the hospital. He had checked himself in earlier this week after experiencing weakness in his leg.
One family member said John had recently flown back from Costa Rica, and the plane flight may have triggered the medical emergency.
Singleton’s family said in a statement Saturday that he’s “currently in the ICU and under great medical care.”
The Singleton Family added: “We ask that privacy be given to him and our family at this time and appreciate all of the prayers that have been pouring in from his fans, friends and colleagues.”
Statement from John Singleton’s family: pic.twitter.com/BZr5Wg3toG
— Brendon Geoffrion (@tv_brendon) April 20, 2019
A number of celebrities have reacted to the news, urging everyone to send prayers up.
“Pray 4 my brother,” Snoop Dogg wrote on Instagram. “Praying for John Singleton!” wrote Viola Davis on Twitter.
More below:
Prayers up for my brother John Singleton ??????
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) April 20, 2019
Get well, John Singleton! Such a generous spirit- pic.twitter.com/fgm7gTjLSG
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) April 20, 2019
Prayers up to director John Singleton @SHAFT6816 . He suffered a stroke last night. This photo is from 2016 when I interviewed him at the @ABFF. John is a strong, influential voice and it matters. He is 51. Add him to your prayer list! #RolandMartinUnfiltered pic.twitter.com/YJsswPf06v
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) April 20, 2019
Wishing Director John Singleton (age 51) a speedy recovery from his stroke.
An occasion, perhaps, for the rest of us to be amazed that human physiology works at all. pic.twitter.com/x4H1iFjvZG
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) April 20, 2019
Praying for John Singleton! ???? https://t.co/XzvC4P4UHx
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 20, 2019
PRAYING FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY FOR MY BROTHER JOHN SINGLETON ??????????
— LILJON (@LilJon) April 20, 2019
Saying prayers for my brother John Singleton today. ????
— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) April 20, 2019
John Singleton is an icon in the entertainment industry.
After making his directorial debut in 1991 with “Boyz N the Hood,” Singleton went on to build a resume full of legendary films and cult classics, such as “Poetic Justice” (1993), “Higher Learning” (1995), “Shaft” (2000), “Baby Boy” (2001), and “Four Brothers” (2005).
The 51-year-old had success on the small screen as well, helming the hit FX series Snowfall and directing on other shows like Empire and American Crime Story.
