Stars pay tribute to late director Jonathan Demme

 
Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster and Justin Timberlake are among the stars leading tributes to director Jonathan Demme, whose death was announced on Wednesday.
The Oscar-winning director most famous for Stop Making Sense, The Silence Of The Lambs, Philadelphia died from esophageal cancer and complications from heart disease.
There has been an outpouring of tributes for the director, with Tom Hanks, who earned his first Oscar for his role in Philadelphia, saying, “Jonathan taught us how big a heart a person can have, and how it will guide how we live and what we do for a living.
“He was the grandest of men.”
Meryl Streep, who starred in Demme’s most recent film Ricki and the Flash, said, “A big hearted, big tent, compassionate man – in full embrace in his life of people in need and of the potential of art, music, poetry and film to fill that need.”
Demme directed Justin Timberlake’s 2016 concert documentary for Netflix, Justin Timberlake + the Tennessee Kids, and the singer posted a picture on Instagram of him hugging and laughing with him. The caption reads, “Where do I begin..? Words just aren’t enough with heartache like this.
“You, master of humanity. You, genius of storytelling. You, generous and warm man. You, special soul. You taught me so much about life and art and about standing up for what you believe. You made me better at my craft. And, the time I spent with you away from a camera and a stage made a better human out of me.
“You are truly irreplaceable. I will miss you so dearly, my sweet friend. I hope we meet again someday. I love you, JD. May you Rest In Peace.”
Martin Scorsese released a statement saying how much he admired Demme and his work, “Whenever I ran into Jonathan, he was filled with enthusiasm and excitement about a new project. He took so much joy in moviemaking. His pictures have an inner lyricism that just lifts them off the ground – even a story like The Silence of the Lambs.
“I have great admiration for Jonathan as a filmmaker – I love the freshness of his style and his excellent use of music, from Buddy Holly to Miklos Rozsa. There’s so much more to be said, and I hardly know where to begin. I also loved him as a friend, and to me he was always young. My young friend. The idea that he’s gone seems impossible to me.”
Bruce Springsteen, who worked with Demme on a number of music videos, said he is “deeply saddened” by the news adding that, “He was an inspiration for me, a beautiful filmmaker and a great spirit. Always smiling, always involved with the world and always pushing you to go for your best.”
Other stars have been taking to social media to share their sadness at the news of his passing.
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