Oscar-winning writer and director of "LA Confidential" and "8 Mile," Curtis Hanson had died at 71. Hanson was in his Hollywood home when he died of natural cause on Tuesday.
Report said that the paramedics found Curtis Hanson unconscious in his home around 4:52 p.m., Tuesday. While it appeared that he died of a heart attack, the LA police spokesperson cannot confirm but said Hanson died of "natural causes."
Hanson retired few years ago due to Alzheimer's disease. Paris Barclay, the Directors Guild of America's (DGA) president said in a statement that they were greatly saddened after learning that Hanson passed away.
Hanson received a DGA honor in 2003, after serving as the guild's Creative Rights Committee, Film Foundation board and the President's Committee on Film Preservation. Hanson was nominated as the best director for the movie, "LA Confidential," where Kim Basinger won the best actress in a supporting role, Variety reported.
Hanson's last film was "Chasing Mavericks," starring Gerard Butler. However, Hanson had to leave the production due to complications after his heart surgery. The film was completed by Michael Apted.
Hanson also directed Eminem's hit hip hop movie, "8 Mile." "Curtis Hanson believed in me and our crazy idea to make a rap battle movie set in Detroit. He basically made me into an actor for 8 Mile. I'm lucky I got to know him," Eminem said in a statement to Billboard. Hanson praised Eminem for making his acting debut in "8 Mile." He said that the rapper is an extraordinarily gifted artist.
Hanson was born in Reno, Nevada but grew up in Los Angeles, California. After dropping out of high school, he worked at the Cinema magazine as a freelance editor and photographer. His interview with the film's great talents inspired him to enter the filmmaking. The movie, "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle," opened the door of Hollywood for him.
Hanson survived a 12-year old son from his wife, Rebecca Yeldham who is a producer.
