Ridley Scott Mourns Suicide of Brother Tony Scott; Ends 44-Year Filmmaking Collaboration
Ridley Scott was spotted in London boarding a plane to Los Angeles after learning that his younger brother, Tony Scott, committed suicide on Sunday, Aug. 19. The "Top Gun" director jumped off the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro leaving behind his older brother, wife, Donna Wilson Scott, and twin boys.
Ridley, also an acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker, had a very close relationship with Tony, 68, who is six years his junior. In their 44-year business partnership, the brothers collaborated in over a dozen commercials, countless music videos, and feature films under their shared company, Scott Free Productions and Ridley Scott Associates.
"Maneuvering in the advertising and film worlds together, the Scotts operated as one of the most collaborative sibling tag-teams in all of pop culture," The Daily Beast reported. "They created a unique synergy that compelled humongous budgets for their respective films, a lucrative-and unprecedented-tandem distribution deal with 20th Century Fox and an ownership stake in Britain's historic Pinewood Shepperton Studio."
Ridley is known for his films "Alien," the recent "Prometheus," Blade Runner," and the Academy Award-winning film "Gladiator." He earned one of his three Best Director nominations for "Gladiator" in 2000.
Tony had several blockbuster successes, including 1986's "Top Gun," featuring Tom Cruise. A few years later, the younger Scott released "Beverly Hills Cop II," both films produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
Tony also produced "Man on Fire" and "The Taking of Pelham 123" - both starring Denzel Washington, whom he often collaborated with.
Currently, Scott's death is being investigated as a suicide. However, the motive remains unknown as TMZ reported that rumors of brain cancer are false.
"I can confirm that Tony Scott has passed away. The family asks that their privacy is respected at this time," his family spokesman said in a statement.
Tony reportedly left a note with contact information of family members in his parked Toyota Prius and in a suicide note in his office before taking the fatal leap in San Pedro, Calif.
Scott is said to have taken the leap without hesitation. Witnesses say they saw him park his car on the bridge in the afternoon, before getting out and scaling the 8-to 10-foot fence with the clear intention of committing suicide.
His body was pulled out by a dive team with the Los Angeles Police three hours after the actual suicide took place. His body was taken to the dock in Wilmington and then turned over to the coroner's office, according to the Huffington Post. Police and Coast Guard had to use sonar equipment to find the director's body in the waters under the bridge.
Tom Cruise released a statement in light of the tragic news: "Tony was my dear friend and I will really miss him. He was a creative visionary whose mark on film is immeasurable. My deepest sorrow and thoughts are with his family at this time."
