Award-winning Hollywood actor Tom Sizemore, best known for portraying tough guy characters in films like “Saving Private Ryan,” “Black Hawk Down,” and “Heat,” passed away on Friday at the age of 61, the Western Journal reported.
His death comes as he was hospitalized in a coma after suffering a brain aneurysm and stroke about two weeks earlier.
Family “devastated” by loss
Variety reported that the death of Sizemore was confirmed by the actor’s manager, Charles Lago, who revealed that his client had been removed from life support.
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,” the manager added.
Paul Sizemore said in a statement of his own, “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 devastated he is gone and will miss him always.”
“End-of-life” arrangements made after docs said “no further hope”
TMZ first reported on Feb. 19 that Sizemore had been found unconscious in his home in Los Angeles, California around 2 am the day before after suffering a brain aneurysm and collapsing. He was then rushed to a hospital and placed in an intensive care unit in critical condition.
The outlet noted that manager Lago said Sizemore was in a “bad way” with an uncertain future, while the Associated Press reported that Lago said the actor’s condition was a “wait and see situation.”
His situation did not improve, however, and Deadline reported on Feb. 27 that Sizemore was in a coma and had little hope of survival.
“Today, doctors informed his family that there is no further hope and have recommended end of life decision,” Lago said in a statement at that time. “The family is now deciding end-of-life matters and a further statement will be issued on Wednesday.”
“We are asking for privacy for his family during this difficult time and they wish to thank everyone for the hundreds of messages of support, and prayers that have been received. This has been a difficult time for them,” the manager added.
A prolific actor with a history of addiction and violence
Sizemore, born in Detroit, Michigan in 1961, began his Hollywood career in 1989, and though he was often typecast as either a hardened criminal or grizzled military soldier, he went on to appear in 229 movies, TV shows, and video games over the decades, and had another 29 incomplete projects in the works, according to his IMDb page.
Unfortunately, the actor’s career was also marred by numerous run-ins with the law for multiple incidents of domestic violence as well as drug and alcohol abuse.
Per Variety, Sizemore is survived by his brother Paul and twin sons Jagger and Jayden. There will reportedly be a private cremation ceremony for the family followed by a later “celebration” of the actor’s life and legacy.
