Oscar winner and L.A. Confidential director Curtis Hanson has been found dead at this home in the Hollywood Hills. Hanson had been retired in recent years due to a battle with Alzheimer’s, according to Variety, though the details around his passing indicated other causes:
The official said paramedics responded to a call of an unconscious man at Hanson’s home at about 4:52 p.m. on Tuesday. He was pronounced dead at the scene. According to TMZ, which first reported the news, it appears as though Hanson died of a heart attack; while the LAPD spokesperson could not confirm that specific information, he said Hanson died of “natural causes.”
Hanson has had his name attached to a number of memorable films over the years, including an adaptation of Michael Chabon’s Wonderboys, the HBO docudrama Too Big Too Fail about the 2009 financial crisis, and the now classic Eminem vehicle 8 Mile. His final film was Chasing Mavericks starring Gerard Butler and following the real life story of surfer Jay Moriarty. Hanson was forced to leave the film due to health complications, leading to his retirement in 2011.
There’s a number of other films across his career, including a foray with H.P. Lovecraft in The Dunwich Horror to begin his career and several high-profile thrillers in the early ’90s. His career is one of strong skill and a wide variety of stories on screen. Hanson was 71 and will be missed.
