John Daniel Singleton, an influential American director, writer, and producer, achieved acclaim with his debut film, “Boyz n the Hood” (1991), earning him an Academy Award nomination at the age of 24.
Singleton’s impactful career included films like “Poetic Justice” (1993) and “Higher Learning” (1995), showcasing the African-American experience in urban settings.
A trailblazer in casting musicians, he collaborated with stars like Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg.
Singleton’s legacy extends to television, co-creating “Snowfall” and earning Emmy recognition for directing.
Early life
Born on January 6, 1968, in Los Angeles, John Singleton, the son of Sheila Ward-Johnson and Danny Singleton, found solace in comic books, video games, and movies during his childhood, using them as a buffer against the challenges of drugs and partying.
He was raised in a predominantly black neighborhood and attended Eisenhower High School, Blair High School, Pasadena City College, and the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
A Spring 1987 initiate into the Beta Omega Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Singleton graduated from USC in 1990.
Initially considering computer science, he opted for USC’s Filmic Writing program under Margaret Mehring, designed to cultivate proficient writers/directors for the Hollywood system.
Career
1990s: Early career and breakthrough
In 1991, John Singleton debuted with “Boyz n the Hood,” a critically acclaimed film depicting the challenges of South Central LA. Singleton, at 24, became the youngest Best Director nominee, the first African-American nominated.
His 1992 music video for Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” gained widespread acclaim.
In 1993, he directed “Poetic Justice,” earning Janet Jackson award nominations.
“Higher Learning” (1995) explored racial tensions on a university campus. Singleton’s fourth film, “Rosewood” (1997), received positive reviews, delving into the historical Rosewood massacre.
Throughout, Singleton emphasized his connection to hip-hop culture.
2000s: Continued success
In 2000, Singleton directed “Shaft” with Samuel L. Jackson, a successful sequel-remake. In 2001, he crafted “Baby Boy,” praised for its portrayal of urban life.
“2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003) marked Singleton’s highest-grossing film globally. In 2005, he produced “Hustle and Flow,” earning Academy Awards recognition and directed “Four Brothers,” a revenge-driven action film.
Singleton received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003.
2010s: Unrealized projects
In 2011, Singleton discussed directing an N.W.A. biopic with Ice Cube but was replaced by F. Gary Gray.
In 2013, Singleton was set to helm a Tupac Shakur biopic but left due to creative differences.
The film, “All Eyez on Me,” released in 2017, received negative reviews.
Singleton had planned biopics on Tupac and Three 6 Mafia before his 2019 death.
2017–2019: Transition to television and final years
After the poorly received film “Abduction” (2011), John Singleton shifted to television.
He directed episodes for “Empire” and “American Crime Story.
” In 2017, he served as an executive producer and director for BET’s crime drama series “Rebel.”
The same year, his co-created FX series “Snowfall” premiered, exploring the 1980s crack epidemic in South Central L.A. Singleton worked on these projects until he died in 2019.
Influences And Themes
Singleton credited the original Star Wars film as one of his strongest influences, along with the works of filmmaker Steven Spielberg and playwright August Wilson.
He was notably influenced by his friend and fellow filmmaker Spike Lee, whom he met in 1986 during a screening of Lee’s film She’s Gotta Have It, just two weeks before Singleton started attending USC.
Singleton’s films have earned praise for their authentic representation of the black experience in America, incorporating a hip-hop energy and style.
His cinematic explorations often touch upon themes such as black masculinity, violence, racism and ethnicity, racial prejudice, trauma, and other political issues.
Legacy
Being the inaugural African-American nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director in 1992 for “Boyz n the Hood,” Singleton has laid the groundwork for numerous African-American filmmakers, including Jordan Peele, Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, Steve McQueen, and Barry Jenkins.
Personal life
Singleton, a father of seven, had a daughter named Justice Maya Singleton with his wife, Tosha Lewis.
She was named after the lead character in Poetic Justice (played by Janet Jackson) and poet Maya Angelou.
From a previous relationship, Singleton had a son, Maasai Singleton, and a daughter, Cleopatra “Cleo” Singleton.
He married Ghanaian actress Akosua Gyamama Busia, but the marriage ended in divorce.
Their daughter, Hadar Busia-Singleton, appeared in films like Tears of the Sun.
In 2010, Singleton had a daughter with Mitzi Andrews, an actress/model and teacher in Toronto, Canada.
Additionally, he had a son named Seven with Rayvon Jones.
In 1999, Singleton pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery charges stemming from an altercation with an ex-girlfriend over child visitation.
He was sentenced to three years of probation and required to create a film on domestic violence.
On August 23, 2007, Singleton was involved in a car accident where he struck a jaywalking pedestrian, Constance Russell, who later passed away in the hospital.
No charges were filed in connection with the incident.
On March 19, 2014, Singleton criticized major studios for not allowing African-Americans to direct films with black themes.
He expressed frustration with the industry’s desire to shape black narratives according to its preferences, emphasizing the importance of preserving the uniqueness and creativity of black films.
How Much Is John Singleton’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing, the late John Singleton was believed to have had a net worth of $50 million.
Death
On April 17, 2019, Singleton suffered a stroke and was admitted to intensive care.
Weakness in his legs manifested upon his return to the United States from a trip to Costa Rica.
By April 25, reports indicated that he had fallen into a coma, although his daughter contradicted this statement.
On April 28, Singleton was taken off life support and passed away at the age of 51 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Numerous actors and musicians paid homage to him.
Ice Cube, the American rapper and actor who collaborated with Singleton in “Boyz n the Hood” and “Higher Learning,” expressed profound sorrow, stating, “There are no words to express how sad I am to lose my brother, friend & mentor.
He loved [to] bring the black experience to the world.”
A private funeral, held on May 6, 2019, in Los Angeles, marked Singleton’s final farewell, and he was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills.
The official cause of death was attributed to acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and hypertension.
Conclusion
John Singleton, a visionary in the world of filmmaking, has left an enduring impact on the global stage through his exceptional artistry and unwavering commitment to humanity.
His cinematic works skillfully depicted the African-American experience in metropolitan settings, delving into profound themes like black masculinity, trauma, racism, and identity.
While Singleton’s untimely departure marked a significant loss for the film industry, his legacy is poised to be a perpetual source of inspiration for upcoming generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.
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