James Foley, American director known for the ‘Fifty Shades’ films, Netflix’s ‘House of Cards’, ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ and ‘The Corruptor’, has died aged 71, after a prolonged battle with brain cancer. A statement from his representative confirmed that the veteran filmmaker died in his sleep earlier this week.
As per the Hollywood Reporter, Foley’s rep said, “he died peacefully in his sleep earlier this week following a years-long struggle with brain cancer”.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 28, 1953, Foley embarked on his filmmaking journey with his 1984 debut, Reckless. He gained critical acclaim with ‘At Close Range’ (1986), starring Sean Penn and Christopher Walken.
Foley’s notable works include the stage-to-screen adaptation ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ (1992), the psychological thriller ‘Fear’ (1996), and the erotic dramas ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ (2017) and ‘Fifty Shades Freed’ (2018).
His television contributions encompass directing episodes for acclaimed series such as ‘House of Cards’, ‘Billions’, and ‘Twin Peaks’.
Foley also directed several music videos for Madonna, including ‘Papa Don’t Preach’ and ‘Live to Tell’. He is survived by his siblings.