Eminem has paid tribute to 8 Mile director Curtis Hanson following his death.
The Oscar-winning filmmaker was found unconscious at his Hollywood Hills home on Tuesday (20Sep16) and pronounced dead at the scene, according to TMZ.com. Law enforcement officials say he appeared to die from a heart attack. He was 71.
Among Hanson's most famous movies was 2002's 8 Mile, which marked the acting debut of rapper Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers.
Following his passing, Eminem was quick to release a statement expressing his condolences and thanking Hanson for believing in him.
He told The Hollywood Reporter: "Curtis Hanson believed in me and our crazy idea to make a rap battle movie set in Detroit. He basically made me into an actor for 8 Mile. I’m lucky I got to know him."
Hanson was an acclaimed director, writer, and producer, and won his only Academy Award for co-writing the L.A. Confidential screenplay with Brian Helgeland.
Other stars to pay tribute to Hanson included L.A. Confidential star Russell Crowe, who wrote on Twitter: "RIP Curtis Hansen (sic) . Thank you for believing in me & standing your ground. In reality you made my job a career. Love & respect my friend."
He later added: "Obviously distracted & upset...RIP to Curtis Hanson... this correction because he would have asked for another take...'in technicolour sir.'"
Rob Lowe worked with Hanson on 1990's Bad Influence and tweeted: "It was an honour to make 'Bad Influence' with Curtis Hanson. So smart, so kind and a great storyteller. I will miss him."
Kevin Bacon teamed up with Hanson on 1994's The River Wild, and wrote on his Twitter page: "So sad to hear about Curtis Hanson. great director. great man. Riding that river with him was one of the greatest gigs of my life."
Hanson also helmed films such as The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Wonder Boys, In Her Shoes, and TV movie Too Big To Fail. His final film was 2012 surfer biopic Chasing Mavericks, starring Gerard Butler.
