The beloved indie filmmaker Lynn Shelton dies at the age of 54
ComingSoon.net comes with great sadness (via Deadline) has to report the premature death of filmmaker and indie darling Lynn Shelton at the age of 54 due to a rare blood disorder.
She started her career as an editor before switching to directing with the low budget indie We have known each other forever, who won the Grand Jury Award for the best narrative film at the 2006 Slamdance Film Festival. It broke out with its 2008 comedy Humpdaywith Mark Duplass and Joshua Leonard as two direct friends who decide to film gay sex on a challenge that received a jury special award at Sundance and later received a French-language remake entitled Don’t bother.
Other films included Your sister’s sister with Emily Blunt, Sentimental with Rosemarie DeWitt, Laggies with Keira Knightley and Outside inside with Edie Falco. She was once approached by Marvel Studios to possibly direct Black widow, but declined the offer. Shelton also starred in several films for himself and others, including Colin Trevorrow’s breakout hit Security is not guaranteed.
Her numerous top-class director credits include episodes of mad Men, The Mindy project, Master of nobody, Shameless, The morning showand last four episodes of Small fires everywhere.
Shelton often worked with the comedian Marc Maron, with whom she had a relationship at the time of her death. The two were working on a dramatic screenplay, and she had previously directed it in episodes of Chestnut and GLOW, the standup special Marc Maron: Too realand her last feature film Sword of trustfor whom we interviewed Maron in 2019.
“I have some terrible news” Said Maron in a statement. “Lynn died last night. She collapsed yesterday morning after being sick for a week. There was a previously unknown underlying disease. It wasn’t COVID-19. The doctors couldn’t save her. They tried. Heavy. I loved her very much, as I know that many of you did too. It is devastating. I am balanced, heartbroken and totally shocked, and I don’t really know how to get ahead at this moment. I needed all of you to know. I don’t know some of you. I do some. I’m just trying to let the people who were important to them know. She was a beautiful, kind, loving, charismatic artist. Her mind was pure joy. It made me happy. I made her happy. We were happy. I made her laugh all the time. We laughed a lot. We started a life together. I really can’t believe what is happening. It is a terrible, sad loss. “
We lost our dear friend Lynn Shelton. We have done so many things together. I wish we had done more. Her limitless creative energy and infectious spirit were second to none. It made me better. We hit our heads, put on make-up, laughed and clinked each other. Like family. What a deep loss. pic.twitter.com/LcowmbGqum
– Mark Duplass (@MarkDuplass) May 16, 2020
Lynn Shelton was one of the wonderful counselors I had at Sundance Labs. I am so sad and shocked to hear the news of her death. Your work and your support touched me deeply. Greetings to your friends and family. RIP, Lynn.
– Nia DaCosta (@NiaDaCosta) May 16, 2020
I am really shocked by Lynn Shelton’s death. She was a friend, a kind heart, so talented and just getting started, despite her outstanding work so far. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. She left us too early. I can’t believe I’ll never hear her laugh again.
– edgarwright (@edgarwright) May 16, 2020
Lynn Shelton changed my life when she presented me with the director’s award at Sundance in 2012. She proudly announced my name. Gave it to me with love. Long after that rooted for me. I can’t believe I’m writing this. Rest in peace, beauty. Thanks for your films. And for your goodness. pic.twitter.com/KySqgIdqQd
– Ava DuVernay (@ava) May 16, 2020
I did karaoke with a group of people in Seattle a few years ago when something suddenly changed. I thought: did you turn on the light? Is someone’s birthday? No, the only thing different was that Lynn Shelton had entered the room
– Melanie Lynskey (@melanielynskey) May 16, 2020
Rest peacefully, Lynn Shelton. Damn it. A unique talent and a really nice person. It’s terrible and so, so sad.
– James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 16, 2020
In addition to her unique and original films, Lynn Shelton directed one of my favorite Mad Men episodes: https://t.co/gwD3DLWpoV pic.twitter.com/HhcYQO0pFm
– Karina Longworth (@KarinaLongworth) May 16, 2020
Devastating news. I was lucky enough to play a small role in a Lynn Shelton film and she treated her cast and crew like family. I learned to direct by watching it. The kindness with which she treated people. She left the room for spontaneity. We lost a great one. https://t.co/vzMwhL0yic
– Mike Birbiglia (@birbigs) May 16, 2020
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
