With great sadness, we have received news that famed indie director Lynn Shelton has passed away at the age of 54. The director was best known for her work on Little Fires Everywhere and Humpday. Shelton broke into the industry with We Go Way Back, which she scripted and directed. Her passion for her craft knew no bounds; she juggled a number of other jobs to fulfil her dream of filmmaking. Shelton’s loss is sure to going to be felt through all of Hollywood.
Her realistic style of filmmaking and the quality of her work made her a critical darling; her work was always a highlight on the prestigious awards scene. Humpday, Laggies, Your Sister’s Sister were all widely beloved, but her talents were limited to behind the scenes. She even acted in her own Humpday along with a host of other films. Not to mention her work in the television industry; having directed episodes of numerous popular shows.
Hollywood Remembers Lynn Shelton
New York Times broke the news of her passing. Shelton became ill after an undetected blood disorder. What’s heartbreaking is that this happened in a relatively short span of time. She is survived by her son Milo, and her boyfriend Marc Maron.
Maron said in a statement, “[Lynn Shelton] had a previously unknown, underlying condition. It was not COVID-19. The doctors could not save her. They tried. Hard.”
Tributes came pouring once the news of Shelton’s passing spread. Her co-workers and Hollywood stars recalled her ability to write emotional and poignant stories, lamenting the loss of one of indie films’ most prominent voices.
Shelton was once worried about her lack of film-school experience early in her career. But after a reassuring talking with Claire Denis, she didn’t look back. Her filmmaking style and legacy will surely shine bright for years to come, and there’s no doubt that Shelton’s presence will be missed.
