Celebrity Death: 'Big Little Lies' Director Jean-Marc Vallée Found Dead

Director, film editor, and screenwriter Jean-Marc Vallée passed away at the age of 58. Although the cause of death has yet to be disclosed, his publicist, Bumble Ward said that his death was “unexpected.”  He was found deceased Christmas weekend, at his cabin outside of Quebec City.

It is unclear exactly when he died. Some reports are saying that he passed away on Saturday, December 25, on Christmas Day. Other reports are saying that he passed away on Sunday, December 26.

The accomplished director and producer had won an Emmy for directing the hit HBO series “Big Little Lies.” He also grew major acclaim for his 2013 drama “Dallas Buyers Club,” which earned a total of six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

Many took the time to remember the esteemed Canadian filmmaker and pay tribute to his life and works.

In a statement, HBO expressed their condolences to the late director and his family, writing, “ Jean-Marc Vallée was a brilliant, fiercely dedicated filmmaker, a truly phenomenal talent who infused every scene with a deeply visceral, emotional truth.”

“He was also a hugely caring man who invested his whole self alongside every actor he directed,” they continued. “We are shocked at the news of his sudden death, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his sons, Alex and Émile, his extended family, and his longtime producing partner, Nathan Ross.”

In another statement, long-time producing partner Nathan 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 continued. “He was a friend, creative partner and an older brother to me. The maestro will sorely be missed but it comforts knowing his beautiful style and impactful work he shared with the world will live on.”

CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival, Cameron Bailey, tweeted “Can’t believe it. Jean-Marc Vallée was a prodigious talent, and the only filmmaker to both open (DEMOLITION) and close (THE YOUNG VICTORIA) the Toronto International Film Festival. I’ll miss his fire.”

Author Bill Brownstein tweeted, “So shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Jean-Marc Vallée, one of the most gifted filmmakers ever to emerge from these parts. Also one of the most kind and generous.”

Journalist Douglas Gelevan tweeted, “Sad to hear the news of Jean-Marc Vallée is confirmed. It’s a big big loss. Loved a lot of his work, and if you haven’t seen it… C.R.A.Z.Y. is a fantastic film. RIP.”

Writer and filmmaker Orla Smith wrote, “One thing that always stuck out to me about Jean-Marc Vallée: even in films that I wasn’t a huge fan of, he was a master at flashbacks. They often feels clunky in films, but he had a way of shooting/editing to blend the past and present together so beautifully.”

“It was partly great editing and also partly an understanding that the way the past shapes the present is vital when exploring a character,” Smith added.