Celebrities Pay Tribute To Famed Director Tony Scott
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Autopsy results won't be completed for another few weeks but there are reports that director Tony Scott had inoperable brain cancer -- reports that his family allegedly denied.
"According to the family there was no mention of any cancer or tumors or anything like that -- that they know of," said assistant chief coroner Ed Winter, of the L.A. County coroner's office.
The man who directed such major movies as "Top Gun" and "Beverly Hills Cop II" reportedly committed suicide by jumping off a San Pedro bridge over the weekend.
Coworkers were visibly shaken and reluctant to speak on camera at Scott Free Productions. The West Hollywood-based business was where the 68-year-old and his brother, director/producer Ridley Scott, co-produced TV shows "The Good Wife" and "Numb3rs."
Celebrities have spent the hours since his death paying tribute to the cinema giant.
"Tony Scott was a great director, a genuine friend and it is unfathomable to think that he is now gone. My family sends their prayers and deepest condolences to the Scott family," said actor Denzel Washington, in a written statement. Washington was cast in five of Scott's films, most recently including "Unstoppable."
Actor Tom Cruise, who worked with Scott on "Top Gun" and "Days Of Thunder," released a statement Monday: "Tony was my dear friend and I will really miss him. He was a creative visionary whose mark on film was immeasurable. My deepest sorrow and thoughts are with his family at this time."
Friends called him a mentor, a thrill seeker and a perfectionist, according to CBS2/KCAL9 reporter Amanda Burden.
Many stars took to Twitter to express their sorrow.
"RIP Tony. You were the kindest film director I ever worked for. You will be missed," Actor Val Kilmer wrote on Twitter Monday. Scott directed Kilmer in "Top Gun."
"Saddened by the death of Tony Scott. A wonderful film maker and a funny, sweet guy. My condolences to his family," actress Susan Sarandon tweeted Monday.
"No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day," director Ron Howard tweeted Sunday.
Actress Patricia Arquette mirrored Sarandon's sentiment with this tweet: "Tony Scott-The sweetest man I have ever worked with...so sad to see you go."
"One of the brightest lights in the industry has gone out. Tony was an accomplished creative and passionate producer and director. As an executive producer of "Numb3rs" and most recently "The Good Wife," he was a longtime friend of CBS, and we are deeply shocked and saddened over this loss. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family," CBS Television Network and CBS Television Studios said in a statement.
"It's very difficult to express the depth of our shock and sadness over Tony's death. We're at a loss. His work has always inspired us and our thoughts are with his family," wrote Robert and Michelle King, creators and executive producers of the "The Good Wife."
Scott jumped off the Vincent Thomas Bridge, spanning San Pedro and Terminal Island, at approximately 12:30 p.m. Sunday, the L.A. County Coroner's Office reported.
According to a US Coast Guard Lt. on scene, a suicide note was found inside Scott's black Toyota Prius, which was left on the eastbound lanes of the bridge.
His body was recovered about four hours later.
The British-born Scott directed "Enemy of the State," "Crimson Tide," "Man On Fire" and the remake of "The Taking Of Pelham 123."
He was known for wearing his trademark red baseball cap as well as often casting actors he enjoyed working with over and over again, most notably Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise and Christopher Walken.
Scott is survived by his brother, Ridley, his wife, Donna, and their twin 12-year-old sons.
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