**Fifty Shades Director James Foley Dies Aged 71 After Long Illness**
James Foley, the renowned American film and television director, has died at the age of 71 following a lengthy struggle with brain cancer. Known widely for his work on the *Fifty Shades* sequels, as well as classic dramas and cult favourites, Foley passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home, his publicist confirmed on Thursday.
Although the precise cause of death has yet to be officially announced, it was revealed that Foley faced a challenging and private battle with brain cancer over several years. News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes, both from Hollywood and fans worldwide, reflecting the director’s far-reaching influence across decades in the industry.
Foley became a household name for directing *Fifty Shades Darker* and its follow-up *Fifty Shades Freed*, which were high-profile additions to the massively popular film series. The films, starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan, became international hits. The trailer for *Fifty Shades Darker* alone accumulated over 100 million views in its first 24 hours on social media—a record-shattering moment that reflected Foley’s talent for captivating wide audiences.
Before his work with the *Fifty Shades* franchise, Foley was celebrated for his efforts on critically acclaimed projects such as the hard-hitting *Glengarry Glen Ross* and the Netflix political thriller *House of Cards*. His versatility extended into television and music, notably collaborating with Madonna on a trio of music videos—*Live to Tell*, *Papa Don’t Preach*, and *True Blue*—under the pseudonym Peter Percher. The connection extended off-screen as well, with Foley standing as best man at Madonna and Sean Penn’s 1985 wedding, a testament to his influence in multiple creative circles.
Reflecting on the early part of his career, Foley often referenced the serendipity of Hollywood. Recalling a pivotal film school party in the early 1980s, he described to Film Freak Central how a chance encounter with renowned director Hal Ashby changed his fortunes. Ashby, having seen one of Foley’s student films projected on a wall, expressed his admiration and encouraged the aspiring filmmaker to pursue professional directing—thus launching an illustrious career.
Foley was born on 28 December 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. He made his directorial debut with *Reckless* in 1984, featuring Aidan Quinn and Daryl Hannah. However, it was his sophomore effort, *At Close Range*, starring Sean Penn and Christopher Walken, that truly made Hollywood take note. The film garnered critical acclaim and demonstrated Foley’s knack for drawing intense performances from his cast.
Throughout the 2000s, Foley continued to experiment with different genres, directing the complex crime thriller *Confidence* in 2003 with stars like Edward Burns, Dustin Hoffman, and Rachel Weisz. Four years later, he worked with Halle Berry and Bruce Willis on the psychological thriller *Perfect Stranger*, a project that, despite mixed reviews and a hefty $60 million budget, drew attention for its star power.
His final cinematic outings, the *Fifty Shades* films, were remarkable commercial successes: *Fifty Shades Darker* reportedly grossed $381 million worldwide, outpacing its modest $55 million budget, while *Fifty Shades Freed* generated over $100 million in the US and Canada and ultimately reached $371 million globally. These figures cemented Foley’s reputation as a director who could deliver major box office results, even amid divided critical reception.
James Foley’s death marks the end of a diverse and distinguished career in Hollywood. From gritty crime dramas to blockbuster romance films, his oeuvre displayed a remarkable range and adaptability. As the film world reflects on his legacy, a central theme emerges: Foley was not only a skilled craftsman behind the camera but also a quiet force who influenced some of the entertainment industry’s most memorable moments and collaborations.
He is survived by family, friends, and many colleagues in the film and music industries who remember his creative brilliance and generous spirit. Foley’s career, marked by both critical darlings and mainstream successes, leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of American cinema.