From Journalism to Hollywood: The Life and Death of James Foley, Director of "Fifty Shades of Grey"
Film director of "Fifty Shades of Grey" passes away.
Known for directing some of the most iconic films in cinema history, including sequels to the erotic blockbuster "Fifty Shades of Grey," James Foley — a versatile filmmaker with a background in journalism — tragically passed away at the age of 71. According to reports, he succumbed to a brain tumor.
Beyond his illustrious career in Hollywood, Foley originally grappled with the unpredictable world of journalism. As a freelance journalist, he braved dangerous landscapes, reporting from conflict zones such as Libya and Syria. However, it was his courage and determination in journalism that propelled him into the world of film.
A Filmmaker's Journey
From 2013 to 2015, Foley stepped into the director's chair for 12 episodes of the political drama "House of Cards." More recently, he helmed the sequels to the erotic phenomenon "Fifty Shades of Grey" — "Fifty Shades Darker" (2017) and "Fifty Shades Freed" (2018) — starring Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson.
Prior to his foray into film, Foley directed music videos for pop icon Madonna and even starred her in the comedy "Who's That Girl" (1987). Some of his most noteworthy films include the psychological thriller "At Close Range" (1986), starring Christopher Walken and Sean Penn, and the acclaimed drama "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992) featuring Oscar-winning performances by Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon.
Immortalized in Tragedy
Despite his successful career in film, Foley would be tragically remembered by another devastating event - his journalist past. In 2014, he was kidnapped by ISIS militants while working as a freelance journalist in Syria. His execution was recorded and publicly released by ISIS, an event that shook the world and raised awareness about the risks faced by journalists working in conflict zones.
Although James Foley's life and career were cut short, his work, both as a journalist and a filmmaker, left an indelible mark on the world. His legacy continues to inspire others in the fields of journalism and filmmaking, reminding us of the importance of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of truth.
While James Foley's contributions to the world of entertainment are immortalized in films like "Fifty Shades of Grey" and "Fifty Shades Darker," an tragic incident from his past has become synonymous with his legacy. Twenty-one years after directing Madonna's "Who's That Girl" music video, Foley died from a brain tumor at the age of 71. Despite the darkness of his death, his fearless spirit forged a path from journalism to Hollywood, making him a remarkable figure in both states. Shades of Foley's life can be seen in the movies and novels that chronicle his cinematic and journalistic accomplishments, while on a WhatsApp group about movies and TV, fans might still discuss the movies he directed, keeping him alive in animated conversations about entertainment.
