Hollywood stars pay tribute to legendary director Sidney Lumet who died at 86
Lumet propelled to fame with his critically acclaimed drama “12 Angry Men” and other major films including “Dog Day Afternoon”, Network” and “Serpico”.
Legendary actor Sidney Lumet died of lymphoma at his home in Manhattan, New York, his step-daughter confirmed Saturday.
Lumet propelled to fame with his critically acclaimed drama “12 Angry Men” and other major films including “Dog Day Afternoon”, "Network” and “Serpico”.
He had 40 films under his directions which earned some 50 Oscar nominations.
Lumet noted BBC began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor in Yiddish theatre in New York. It was only in the 1950s when Lumet moved into film direction.
The legendary actor is regarded as a “master of the cinematic craft”.
Stars in Hollywood and fellow directors have paid tribute to the legendary director following his death over the weekend.
Woody Allen: "I'm constantly amazed at how many films of his prodigious output were wonderful and how many actors and actresses had their best work under his direction."
Allen noted said BBC that Lume was “definitely the quintessential New York film-maker”, adding that Lumet “will have more energy dead than most live people”.
Another fellow director, Martin Scorsese underscored that Lumet's death marked "the end of an era".
Martin Scorsese: “[Lumet] was a "New York film-maker at heart, and our vision of the city has been enhanced and deepened by classics like "Serpico", "Dog Day Afternoon" and, above all, the remarkable "Prince of the City"."
Two of the outstanding actors who worked under Lumet - - Al Pacino and Phillip Seymour Hoffman have nothing but good words for the legendary director.
Al Pacino: "All the more reason to take good care of the ones he left behind."
Pacino, who appeared in Lumet’s “Serpico” and “Dog Day Afternoon” said, according to BBC, that the film industry without Lumet is unimaginable.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman:"He was a true master who loved directing and working with actors like no other.”
Hoffman starred in Lumet’s last film in 2007, “Before the Devil Knows You're Dead”.
Other artists and personalities, including politicians have paid their respects for Lumet:
Quincy Jones: "Sidney was a visionary film-maker whose movies made an indelible mark on our popular culture with their stirring commentary on our society.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg: “[Lumet] is one of the great chroniclers of our city.”
Lumet is survived by his wife, two daughters Amy and Jenny Lumet, two stepchildren Leslie and Bailey Gimbel, nine grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
