Tom Sizemore has passed away at the age of 61 after being taken off life support following a brain aneurism. The actor was best known for his roles in films Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down.
Sizemore collapsed in his home in Los Angeles on February 18, and was transported to hospital by paramedics. Once in hospital doctors confirmed he had suffered a brain aneurism caused by a stroke, and had remained in intensive since then.
His manager Charles Lago said in a statement: "It is with great sadness and sorrow I have to announce that actor Thomas Edward Sizemore (‘Tom Sizemore’) aged 61 passed away peacefully in his sleep today at St Joseph’s Hospital Burbank. His brother Paul and twin boys Jayden and Jagger (17) were at his side."
Brother Paul also released a statement. It reads: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my big brother Tom. He was larger than life.
"He has influenced my life more than anyone I know. He was talented, loving, giving and could keep you entertained endlessly with his wit and storytelling ability. I am devestated he is gone and will miss him always.”
Sizemore became a star with acclaimed appearances in Natural Born Killers and the cult-classic crime thriller Heat. But serious substance dependency, abuse allegations and multiple run-ins with the law devastated his career, left him homeless and sent him to jail.
As the global #MeToo movement wave crested in late 2017, Sizemore was also accused of groping an 11-year-old Utah girl on set in 2003. He called the allegations “highly disturbing”, saying he would never inappropriately touch a child. Charges were not filed.
Despite the raft of legal trouble, Sizemore had scores of steady film and television credits — though his career never regained its onetime momentum. Aside from Black Hawk Down and Pearl Harbour, most of his 21st century roles came in low-budget, little-seen productions where he continued to play the gruff, tough guys he became famous for portraying.
