Influential actor and director Melvin Van Peebles has died at 89.
His family confirmed the news in a statement sharing,
"“In an unparalleled career distinguished by relentless innovation, boundless curiosity and spiritual empathy, Melvin Van Peebles made an indelible mark on the international cultural landscape through his films, novels, plays and music,” the statement read. “His work continues to be essential and is being celebrated at the New York Film Festival this weekend with a 50th anniversary screening of his landmark filmSweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song; a Criterion Collection box set,Melvin Van Peebles: Essential Films, next week; and a revival of his playAin’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death, slated for a return to Broadway next year.”
Melvin was called the "Godfather of Black Cinema". Read more below.
Our prayers go out to his family.