by Directors, actors, friends and fans took to social media to pay tribute to Tom Sizemore following the star’s death on Friday from a brain aneurysm last month.
His tremendous talent was evident in films like Heat (1995) and Saving Private Ryan (1998), and while Sizemore continued the show with even minor roles in films like Point Break (1991) and Enemy of the State stole” (1998), off-screen addiction plagued him.
“2015 read Sizemore… [actor Eric Bogosian’s] Part of a table reading for Gems”, tweeted Filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie, referring to their film Uncut Gems (2019). “He would improvise with the actor next to him (even though they weren’t in the scene) and sometimes invent new plot details… it made a totally predictable experience unpredictable. REST IN PEACE.”
Sizemore held its own against screen titans like Robert De Niro and left an unforgettable mark on cult classics and Oscar-winning films. His star faded around the turn of the millennium, however, as substance abuse problems and convictions overshadowed his career.
Victoria Will/Invision/Associated Press
The Detroit native suffered a stroke-induced brain aneurysm on February 18, which left him in a coma. Because staff at a Los Angeles-area hospital determined there was no chance of recovery, Sizemore’s family had weighed an “end of life” decision — by Friday night.
Sizemore was 61 years old.
“My goodness. Tommy Sizemore… gone.” tweeted actor Kim Coates. “We took some pictures together. So talented. So tormented. Our lives took different paths… never forget our early New York nightlife. good old days And now he’s gone. So sad and sorry. RIP Tommy.”
The Safdies and Coates weren’t the only ones taking to social media in memory. They were joined overnight by other friends, filmmakers and more who honored his legacy and shared precious memories and their favorite Sizemore films.
Do you need help with addiction or mental health problems? In the US, call 800-662-HELP (4357). National SAMHSA hotline.
