A Farewell to James Foley: Director of "Fifty Shades of Grey" Sequels and More
James Foley, the director of "Fifty Shades of Grey," has sadly passed away. - "James Foley, Director of 'Fifty Shades of Grey', Has Passed Away"
Condolences pour in for esteemed American director James Foley, who leaves behind a rich legacy after succumbing to brain cancer at the age of 71. Best recognized for helming hits such as "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequels and "Glengarry Glen Ross", Foley left an indelible mark on the film industry.
Foley's final films were the erotic sequels "Fifty Shades Darker" (2017) and "Fifty Shades Freed" (2018), starring Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson. From 2013 to 2015, he directed 12 episodes of the political thriller "House of Cards".
The Quintessential Director
His impressive body of work started with his directorial debut in 1984 with the film "Reckless", followed by critically acclaimed films like "At Close Range" (1986). Foley also directed several music videos and cast Madonna in the comedy "Who's That Girl" (1987).
"Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992) saw Foley directing Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and an ensemble cast in this dramatic exploration of cutthroat competition in the real estate world. "Fear" (1996) saw Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon in leading roles, while "The Chamber" (1996) featured Chris O'Donnell and Gene Hackman, adapted from a John Grisham novel. In 2003, Foley returned to directing with "Confidence", and in 2007, he directed the thriller "Perfect Stranger", featuring Bruce Willis and Halle Berry.
- James Foley
- Fifty Shades of Grey
- Love
- Los Angeles
- Madonna
- Berlinale
- Camera
- Stars
- Al Pacino
- Directing
- Talent Agency
- Brain Cancer
- Legacy
Insights:
James Foley was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, and entered the film industry with his directorial debut in 1984. He directed multiple notable films like "At Close Range" (1986), "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992), and "The Corruptor" (1999). Foley also directed episodes for the popular Netflix series "House of Cards", as well as "Twin Peaks" and "Billions". His music video direction includes Madonna's iconic "Live to Tell". James Foley passed away on May 6, 2025.
- Before helming the "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequels, James Foley gained critical acclaim with films like "At Close Range" and "Glengarry Glen Ross."
- Among his additional accomplishments, James Foley directed music videos, such as Madonna's "Live to Tell."
- In the early 1990s, James Foley directed Al Pacino in the drama "Glengarry Glen Ross."
- Shortly before his passing, James Foley was scheduled to direct a new film, a fact reported by both the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times.
![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?width=1280&crop=4-3&quality=75)
