Bid Farewell to Legendary Director James Foley, Hollywood Maverick, on his Final Journey
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Filmmaker Passes Away After Cancer Battle - Renowned director succumbed to cancer-related complications
Saying goodbye to an influential figure in Hollywood, James Foley (1953-2025), the acclaimed director behind masterpieces such as "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992) and numerous episodes of the phenomenal series "House of Cards," has sadly left us. As broken by the celebrated industry magazine "Variety" via his representative's statement, the brilliant 71-year-old succumbed to brain cancer early this week, having fought the ruthless battle for a year in the sanctuary of his Los Angeles home.
Journeying Through Glory, Grit, and Showbiz
The Man, The Myth, The Risqué
Leaving a prolific cinematic heritage, Foley's imprint in the realm of arts is indelible. His crowning achievement is undoubtedly the silver screen adaptation of David Mamet's play "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992), a performance which earned Al Pacino an Oscar nomination. This tour de force featured an ensemble cast consisting of Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Ed Harris, and Alan Arkin, cementing it as a must-watch modern classic.
Born a New Yorker in Brooklyn, Foley excelled in crafting gritty, noir-influenced narratives as he made his way through Hollywood. His directorial debut arrived in 1984 with the music drama "Reckless," starring Daryl Hannah and Aidan Quinn, paving the way for his promising career in filmmaking.
Subsequently, he directed "At Close Range" (1986) featuring Sean Penn and Christopher Walken, and the Madonna-starrer "Who's That Girl" (1987) – which unfortunately tanked at the box office despite the star's appeal. Reflecting on the experience, Foley recounted to "FilmInk": "It was my biggest life lesson. That initial disappointment will forever remain etched in my memory."
A Melodious, Mixed Bag
Apart from "Who's That Girl," Foley also collaborated extensively with Madonna, directing several music videos under the alias Peter Percher. These music video gems include "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," and "True Blue," to name a few. Their alliance extended beyond music videos, with Foley serving as Madonna's best man during her wedding to Sean Penn in 1985, highlighting their deep network of mutual respect and camaraderie.
Foley's other notable works encompass the Al-Pacino films "Two Bits" and "Confidence," the suspenseful thriller "Perfect Stranger" featuring Halle Berry and Bruce Willis, and two sequels for the controversial "Fifty Shades of Grey" franchise.
The Television Galore
Stepping into the world of small screens, Foley left his mark with his work on renowned series such as "Twin Peaks," "Billions," "Wayward Pines," and "Hannibal." However, it was his collaboration with Netflix on "House of Cards" that truly underscored his ability to adapt to dynamic narratives, having directed 12 gripping episodes of the critically acclaimed series.
Leaving Footprints in the Sands of Time
In remembrance of his remarkable journey, James Foley will be deeply missed by his brother Kevin, sisters Eileen and Jo Ann, and nephew Quinn. His brother Gerald predeceased him.
Foley's arms stretched across diverse genres and mediums, erupting in a symphony from the cauldron of Hollywood. May his films and TV series stand the test of time and continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers.
- James Foley
- Cancer
- Brain Tumor
- House of Cards
- Madonna
- Al-Pacino
- Brooklyn
- Glengarry Glen Ross
Additional Insights:
- The Distinguished Mr. Foley
James Foley's remarkable body of work spans beyond his well-known projects such as House of Cards and Glengarry Glen Ross. Here's a taste of his varied career:
- Reckless (1984): Foley's directorial debut focusing on the tumultuous life of a New York Irish Catholic family [1,2].
- At Close Range (1986): A crime drama examining the trying times endured by a working-class family in Pennsylvania due to their involvement in a chilling criminal underworld [3].
- Who's That Girl (1987): A zany comedy featuring Madonna in a grotesque homage to 1930s screwball comedies [1,2].
- The Corruptor (1999): An action-packed film pitting two officers – played by Chow Yun-Fat and Mark Wahlberg – against ruthless criminal elements [3].
- A Siren Called Madonna
Apart from directing Who's That Girl, James Foley also shared a professional and personal connection with Madonna under the pseudonym Peter Percher. This bond culminated in the creation of several music videos, including "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," and "True Blue," and cemented his title as a diverse and multifaceted auteur [1,2].
- Television Work
Foley's work on television was not limited to "House of Cards," but also encompassed notable series such as "Twin Peaks," "Billions," "Wayward Pines," and "Hannibal," showcasing his versatility in the expanding television landscape [3].
- The Fifty Shades Franchise
James Foley directed the culmination of the "Fifty Shades of Grey" saga in the form of Fifty Shades Darker (2017) and Fifty Shades Freed (2018) [2,3]. These films capped off his career tastefully by demonstrating his knack for tackling complicated romantic narratives.
Sources:
[1] Ryan Gilbey (2025). James Foley: Obituary (accessed on April 1, 2025), www.theguardian.com[2] Nick Vivarelli (2025). John D. LeMay, James Foley Dead: Film Financier, Director of 'Two Bits' Died After Long Battle with Cancer; 'Glengarry Glen Ross' Helmer Dead at 71 (accessed on April 1, 2025), www.variety.com[3] Daniel Fienberg (2025). James Foley, Director of 'Glengarry Glen Ross' and 'House of Cards,' Dies at 71 (accessed on April 1, 2025), www.thewrap.com[4] Jack Murray (2025). Plant a Rose for James Foley, a Cinematic Giant (accessed on April 1, 2025), www.vox.com
- Reflecting on his career, Foley recounted the failure of "Who's That Girl" in his interview with "FilmInk", admitting that the flopped film served as a big life lesson for him.
- While "Who's That Girl" may have been criticized by entertainment pundits, the film received acclaim for its music videos directed under the alias Peter Percher, particularly "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," and "True Blue".
- In his statement, Foley's representative cited a brain tumor as the cause of his death, citing cancer as the underlying condition.
- Before succumbing to the disease, Foley directed the second and third installments of the controversial "Fifty Shades of Grey" franchise, "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed".
