Tony Scott, the director of hits such as Top Gun, True Romance and Man On Fire, has been found dead in San Pedro, California. Police believe he committed suicide. He was 68.
Scott was born in North Shields in the UK and rose to stardom alongside his older brother, Ridley cott. The two worked together on a number of films, most recently Prometheus, on which the younger Scott was a producer.
After initially taking an interest in documentary, Scott went on to direct some of the biggest blockbuster hits of the next three decades, including Top Gun, Days Of Thunder, True Romance, Crimson Tide and Enemy Of The State. He was also responsible for a handful of cult hits that proved to have real staying power, such as The Hunger, starring Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie, which exemplified his unique visual style. He took on numerous independent films as a producer, alongside hits like The A-Team, and he also made a handful of appearances as an actor.
Scott's death was witnessed by numerous passers-by and a suicide note was later found in his Los Angeles office. Leading industry figures have expressed their regret at the loss of a man who was dearly loved and whose advice and support, as well as his work, were an inspitation to many.
Scott is survived by his wife, the actress Donna Scott, and their two children.
