Jonathan Demme dead: Jodie Foster 'heartbroken' as Hollywood stars pay tribute to director
JODIE FOSTER has said she is "heart-broken" following the death of Silence of the Lambs director Jonathan Demme.
Jodie Foster lead tributes to Silence of the Lambs director Jonathan Demme this evening
Paying tribute to the legendary filmmaker, who died at the age of 73 after losing his battle with oesophageal cancer, the Hollywood actress described Demme as "champion of the soul".
Breaking her silence on his passing, the 54-year-old said: "I am heart-broken to lose a friend, a mentor, a guy so singular and dynamic you’d have to design a hurricane to contain him.
"Jonathan was as quirky as his comedies and as deep as his dramas. He was pure energy, the unstoppable cheerleader for anyone creative."
Jonathan lost his battle with cancer and suffered heart disease complications
Anthony Hopkins stars in thriller Silence of the Lambs
He was pure energy, the unstoppable cheerleader for anyone creative
She continued: "Just as passionate about music as he was about art, he was and will always be a champion of the soul.
"JD, most beloved, something wild, brother of love, director of the lambs. Love that guy. Love him so much."
But Jodie was just one of a flurry of stars who paid their respects to the Philadelphia director, with Line of Duty star Thandie Newton also lamenting the loss.
"I love you #JonathanDemme and I will never forget you. There is a place in my heart for you, always xx Thandiwe aka Beloved," she bemoaned.
Jodie starred alongside Anthony Hopkins in the Oscar-winning flick
Line of Duty's Thandie Newton was among those paying tribute
Moonlight director Barry Jenkins also shared a heartfelt message
"Sad to hear that Jonathan Demme has passed," Lord of the Rings' Elijah Wood tweeted.
Moonlight director Barry Jenkins wrote: "Met tons through the Moonlight run but my man Demme was the kindest, most gernous. A MASSIVE soul. He lived in love. And rests in peace.
"I know now that this was also the last time I saw Jonathan Demme. Fitting that it was in an act of love and generosity. Such a kind man."
Jonathan is succeeded by his wife and three children.