LA Confidential director Curtis Hanson found dead in Hollywood home

Curtis Hanson, the Oscar-winning director of LA Confidential, has been found dead at his home in California at the age of 71. His body was found by paramedics at his Hollywood Hills home on Tuesday and he was pronounced dead at the scene. He appeared to have died of natural causes, police said. Among the stars to pay tribute was Eminem, who teamed up with the director for 8 Mile. “Curtis Hanson believed in me and our crazy idea to make a rap battle movie set in Detroit,” he said. “He basically made me into an actor for 8 Mile. I’m lucky I got to know him.”

Than you for believing in me… in reality you made my job a career

LA Confidential star Russell Crowe

Hanson directed a string of well-received films, including The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, The River Wild and In Her Shoes. But his career highlight came in 1997 with LA Confidential for which he received a best screenwriter’s Oscar and a nomination for best director. The film won many plaudits for its recreation of 1950s Los Angeles, from the streets to the costumes, and earned Kim Basinger, who starred alongside Kevin Spacey and Russell Crowe, a best actress Oscar. However, Hanson had reportedly retired some years ago after falling ill with Alzheimer’s disease.

So sad to hear about Curtis Hanson. great director. great man. Riding that river with him was one of the greatest gigs of my life

Kevin Bacon, who starred in The River Wild

Entertainment