![71-year-old United States Director James Foley passed away. [Archived Image] Image provided.](/en/img/20250511044714_pexels-image-search-image-description-headline-description.jpeg)
James Foley, the "Fifty Shades of Grey" Whiz, Kicks the Bucket at 71
- Streetwise warning: This article contains discussions about adult content and death
Director James Foley, known for the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' film series, has passed away. - Director James Foley, responsible for the "Fifty Shades of Grey" installment, has passed away.
Buckle up, folks! We've got some grim news that'll leave a chill down your spine. James Foley, the director responsible for steaming up your screens with the "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequels, has called it a wrap—in life, that is! His agent Taylor Lomax confirmed the unfortunate news to the New York Times, stating that the 71-year-old director succumbed to a brain tumor.
Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson, and the rest of the Shades cast sure are in for a shock, as the maestro behind their steamy scenes has taken his final bow. Before leaving us for the Land of Red Rooms and floggers, Foley directed the saucy sequels—none other than "Fifty Shades Darker" (2017) and "Fifty Shades Freed" (2018).
Between 2013 and 2015, the erotic mastermind was behind the camera in 12 episodes of the TV series "House of Cards," starring none other than the perennially smooth Kevin Spacey. Dead yet? Hold on tight, 'cause there's more to this tale!
Foley's résumé boasts a pretty impressive array of projects. He's the man who brought the thriller "At Close Range" to the Berlinale in 1986, featuring Christopher Walken and Sean Penn in a gangster melodrama that reached a whole new level of intensity. ButWAIT, THERE'S MORE! Foley also directed music videos for pop goddess Madonna, and even starred her in the crack-up comedy "Who's That Girl" (1987). Talk about multi-talented!
Star-struck yet? Wait until you hear about the drama "Glengarry Glen Ross" featuring acting legends like Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Ed Harris, and Alan Arkin. The flick paints an unflattering picture of the ruthless competition in a Chicago real estate office. In "Fear" (1996) Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon held their own, followed by "The Chamber" based on a John Grisham novel, wherein Chris O'Donnell and Gene Hackman shone like beacons.
- James Foley
- Fifty Shades of Grey
- Frenzy
- Stardom
- Los Angeles
- Madonna
- Berlinale
- Silver Screen
- Al Pacino
- Talent Agency
- New York Times
- Los Angeles Times
- Brain Cancer
Enrichment Data:After helming the "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequels, Foley's filmography remained relatively quiet. His last major film releases were the aforementioned sequels, with no feature films following suit. However, he kept busy in the world of television, with his last known television work in 2016 for "Billions."
Here's a summary of what happened after the "Fifty Shades" sequels:
- Television Work: After the "Fifty Shades" sequels, Foley kept working in television, directing episodes for series like "Hannibal," "House of Cards," and "Billions." However, after 2016, there's no record of significant television work.
- Feature Films: No feature films were released after the "Fifty Shades" sequels.
Saying goodbye to the silver screen, Foley took his final bow on May 6, 2025, at the ripe age of 71. Rest in peace, James Foley! Your legacy continues to captivate, even in your absence.
- The passing of James Foley, known for directing the "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequels, left a profound impact on the entertainment industry, with his notable works including "Fifty Shades Darker" (2017) and "Fifty Shades Freed" (2018).
- Before his untimely death, Foley also ventured into television, directing a series of episodes for shows like "House of Cards" and "Billions."
- In addition to his work in films and television, Foley directed music videos for pop icon Madonna and worked on the drama "Glengarry Glen Ross," featuring legends like Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon.
- Following his death on May 6, 2025, at the age of 71, James Foley left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate the world of entertainment.
