Canadian filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée, best known for directing acclaimed films like Dallas Buyers Club and Wild, passed away over the weekend near Quebec City, Canada. He was 58. The news of Vallée's demise was confirmed by his longtime producing partner Nathan Ross, who issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. Although the cause of his death was not divulged immediately, it has been revealed that the filmmaker had died in his cabin. Ross said, "Jean-Marc stood for creativity, authenticity and trying things differently. He was a true artist and a generous, loving guy. Everyone who worked with him couldn't help but see the talent and vision he possessed. He was a friend, creative partner and an older brother to me. The maestro will sorely be missed but it comforts knowing his beautiful data-style and impactful work he shared with the world will live on." Vallée is survived by his sons Alex and Emile and siblings Marie-Josee Vallée, Stephane Tousignant and Gerald Vallée.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Jean-Marc Vallée began his career in the entertainment industry directing music videos before making his film directorial debut in 1995 with the thriller, Black List, which got nine nominations for Canada's Genie Awards, while his C.R.A.Z.Y in 2005 secured 11 Genies. His next big success was The Young Victoria, which had Emily Blunt as British monarch Queen Victoria, and earned three Oscar nominations, including winning the Best Costume Design award. However, it was in 2013 when Vallée's Dallas Buyers Club made him a global name after it was nominated for six Academy Awards, with Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto taking home the Best Actor and Best Supporting awards and the film as well winning the Best Picture. He next cast Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern in the adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's memoir, Wild, which earned three Oscar nominations.
— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) December 27, 2021
A filmmaking force and a true artist who changed my life with a beautiful movie called Dallas Buyers Club. Much love to everyone who knew him. Life is precious. pic.twitter.com/2DT0tu9Lbo
— JARED LETO (@JaredLeto) December 27, 2021
My heart is broken. My friend. I love you. https://t.co/dvh63E8K7I
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) December 27, 2021
In 2017, Vallée won an Emmy for his work on the HBO series Big Little Lies, which saw him reunite with Witherspoon and Dern once again, with the show also featuring other Hollywood A-listers namely Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravitz, and Alexander Skarsgard. Vallée also directed and executive produced another HBO venture in 2018, the limited series Sharp Objects, which starred Amy Adams and Patricia Clarkson, and subsequently earned eight Emmy nominations. HBO released a statement honoring Vallée and said, "He was also a hugely caring man who invested his whole self alongside every actor he directed. We are shocked at the news of his sudden death, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his sons, Alex and Emile, his extended family, and his longtime producing partner, Nathan Ross."