Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme dies at 73

Award-winning director, Jonathan Demme, behind such mega hits including The Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia, has died. He was 73.

Variety reported the news of his death which came from his publicist, who said Demme died on Wednesday morning in New York City.

IndieWire noted that the filmmaker passed away from esophageal cancer and complications of heart disease.

In addition to his classics of The Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia, Demme directed several B-movies such as Caged Heat, Crazy Mama and Fighting Mad. He enjoyed much success in the following years with the films Melvin and Howard, Swing Shift and Something Wild. His more recent works include Rachel Getting Married with Anne Hathoway in 2008, Ricki and the Flash starring Meryl Streep in 2015 and a concert documentary titled “Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids” just last year.

Demme is survived by his wife, Joanne and children Ramona, Brooklyn and Jos.