Producer Jerry Bruckheimer (left) with Tony Scott on set
It was announced this evening that British director Tony Scott has died as the result of suicide. Scott is perhaps best known for stylish “popcorn” movies like TOP GUN, BEVERLY HILLS COP II, and DAYS OF THUNDER, but was also responsible for cult favorite titles like TRUE ROMANCE and THE LAST BOY SCOUT. Other notable works include CRIMSON TIDE (which began his frequent collaborations with actor Denzel Washington), ENEMY OF THE STATE, SPY GAME, MAN ON FIRE, DEJA VU, THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3, and UNSTOPPABLE. He and brother Ridley Scott (through their company Scott Free Productions) produced countless films and television projects, including NUMB3RS and THE GOOD WIFE. His death is being called an apparent suicide after he was witnessed jumping from the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro, California. Scott was said to have jumped at 12:30pm, and a witness called 911 according to the coroner’s office. The Los Angeles Port Police recovered the body from the water. Tony is said to have left a suicide note in his car, which was parked on the bridge. He was 68.
Tony Scott with Denzel Washington on set.
I’m surprised and saddened by this news. Tony Scott has always been one of my favorite directors, even if some of his films are safely considered guilty pleasures. I’m particularly fond of the Kevin Costner thriller REVENGE and a huge fan of the Bruce Willis vehicle THE LAST BOY SCOUT (which I sincerely felt deserved a sequel). Scott was rumored to be returning to work with Tom Cruise on TOP GUN 2, though little was known about the production, which didn’t even have a projected release date. There are currently no details given as to what would drive Tony to this decision, though it’s no secret how harsh working in Hollywood can be. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends in this difficult time. If you know someone dealing with depression, please do all you can to get them the help they need.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
