John Singleton, the famous American director, has passed away at 51, following a stroke last week. His family made the announcement following the decision to take him off life support, of which the family said “We are grateful to his fans, friends and colleagues for the outpour of love and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

He’s best known for his work as the director of Boyz N The Hood, but also did work as a music video director, writer, and much more.

Artists, activists, and others around the world offered their condolences after the news came out. Janet Jackson expressed her gratitude, saying “you gave me my first movie role, my first Oscar nomination and so much more.” Boyz N The Hood star Ice Cube lamented the loss as well, saying that Singleton “not only made [him] a movie star, but made [him] a filmmaker.”

Fellow black filmmakers Jordan Peele and Spike Lee also shared their condolences, with Peele saying that Singleton “was a brave and true inspiration,” and Lee saying that “With His Passion, His Heart, The Way He Talked About His Love For Cinema And Black Folks I Could See John Would Make It Happen, And He Did.”

Following the release of Boyz N The Hood, his debut feature film, Singleton was given an Oscar nomination for best director, making him the first black person to ever achieve the feat, as well as the youngest in history. He has been lauded as one of the greatest directors of his time.