Fifty Shades director dies aged 71, James Foley Cause of Death

James Foley, the American film director best known for directing two films in the Fifty Shades series and several iconic Madonna music videos, has died at the age of 71.

According to a spokesperson, Foley passed away peacefully in his sleep earlier this week at his home in Los Angeles. He had been battling brain cancer for several years.

Foley had a diverse and successful career in both film and television. He directed Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, the sequels to the hit romantic drama Fifty Shades of Grey. The films, based on EL James’ best-selling novels, became box office hits and helped launch the film careers of Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan. Foley stepped in to direct the sequels after original director Sam Taylor-Johnson left the franchise.

In addition to his film work, Foley directed several television episodes, including 12 episodes of Netflix’s political drama House of Cards, one of the platform’s first major original successes. He also worked on other popular shows like Twin Peaks, Billions, and Hannibal.

Foley began his film career with the 1984 movie Reckless, starring Daryl Hannah and Aidan Quinn. He later directed notable films such as Glengarry Glen Ross, Fear, Confidence, Perfect Stranger, and The Corruptor.

In the 1980s, Foley collaborated with pop icon Madonna, directing three of her most famous music videos: Papa Don’t Preach, Live to Tell, and True Blue. At the time, he used the alias Peter Percher. He reunited with Madonna in 1987 to direct the film Who’s That Girl, in which she starred as a woman wrongly accused of murder.

Though his representative confirmed Foley’s struggle with brain cancer, the official cause of death has not yet been announced. He is remembered for his contributions to film, television, and music, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades.