John Singleton, "Boyz N the Hood" director, hospitalized after suffering a stroke

John Singleton, best known for directing "Boyz N the Hood" and "Poetic Justice," suffered a stroke last week and remains hospitalized, his family said in a statement. Additional details, including his condition, were not immediately available.

In a statement released Saturday, Singleton's family announced that the 51-year-old filmmaker was in ICU and "under great medical care."

"On Wednesday, April 17th our beloved son/father, John Singleton, suffered a stroke while at the hospital," the statement reads. "We ask that privacy be given to him and our family at this time and appreciate all of the prayers that have been pouring in from his fans, friends and colleagues."

Actress Nia Long, author Neil deGrasse Tyson and actor Omar Epps were among stars tweeting wishes Saturday for a quick recovery.

"Praying hard this morning for my friend John Singleton. PULL THROUGH BABY," Long tweeted.

Singleton became the first black filmmaker to receive an Oscar nomination when he was cited for his debut feature, "Boyz N the Hood," set in his native Los Angeles and released in 1991. His other films include "Poetic Justice," which starred Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur, and "Rosewood." Singleton's recent projects include the TV series "Snowfall," a crime drama set in 1980s Los Angeles.