Tony Scott

Tony Scott

Tony Scott Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 20, 2012.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tony Scott, director of such Hollywood hits as "Top Gun," "Days of Thunder" and "Beverly Hills Cop II," died Sunday after jumping from a Los Angeles County bridge, authorities said.

The 68-year-old Scott's death was being investigated as a suicide, Los Angeles County Coroner's Lt. Joe Bale said. "I can confirm that Tony Scott has passed away. The family asks that their privacy is respected at this time," Scott's spokesman, Simon Halls, said in a statement. Several people called 911 around 12:35 p.m. to report that someone had jumped from the Vincent Thomas Bridge spanning San Pedro and Terminal Island in Los Angeles Harbor, according to Los Angeles police Lt. Tim Nordquist.

A dive team with Los Angeles Port Police pulled the body from the murky water several hours later, Nordquist said. Scott's body was taken to a dock in Wilmington and turned over to the county coroner's office.

One lane of the eastbound side of the bridge was closed to traffic during the investigation. Cargo vessels moved at reduced speeds through the east side of the port's main channel during the search, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey.


Investigators found a note in Scott's black Toyota Prius, which was parked on the bridge, according to the Los Angeles Times. That note listed contact information. A suicide note was later found at his office.

The British-born Scott, who lived in Beverly Hills, was producer and director Ridley Scott's younger brother. Distinct visual styles mark both siblings' films — Ridley Scott mastering the creation of entire worlds with such films as "Gladiator," "Blade Runner," "Alien" and this year's "Prometheus," Tony Scott known for hyper-kinetic action and editing on such films as his most recent, the runaway train thriller "Unstoppable," starring regular collaborator Denzel Washington.

Scott was a thrill-seeker himself in his personal life, an avid rock climber who also liked driving fast cars and motorcycles. Still, filmmaking was his real thrill.

"The biggest edge I live on is directing. That's the most scary, dangerous thing you can do in your life," Scott said in an interview for his 1995 naval adventure "Crimson Tide." ''The scariest thing in my life is the first morning of production on all my movies. It's the fear of failing, the loss of face and a sense of guilt that everybody puts their faith in you and not coming through." Tony was the first of the Scott brothers to enjoy blockbuster success with "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise, the top-grossing film of 1986 at $176 million. Scott teamed with Cruise again four years later on the hit "Days of Thunder." He also had a sequel to "Top Gun" in development.

But Ridley Scott later managed more and bigger hits than his brother and earned a level of critical respect never achieved by Tony Scott. "Gladiator" won the best-picture Academy Award for 2000 and earned Ridley Scott one of his three best-director nominations; Tony Scott never was in the running for an Oscar, and critics often slammed his movies for emphasizing style over substance.

Even Scott admitted that it was a challenge to infuse drama into some of his scenarios — for example, cars racing in circles in "Days of Thunder." In an interview for that 1990 summer hit, Scott was blunt about where some of the ideas came from.

"I went back and I stole from all race movies to date," Scott said. "I took the better elements, then tried to build on them. Really, the speed, the energy and the placement of the audience inside some of the cars came in the editing room. ... "I'm always pushing for something new and fresh in the way things are shot, and the rest happens in the editing room. ... The real speed comes from the cutters and what they do with the celluloid."

While Ridley Scott had an auspicious start to his film career with 1977's acclaimed period drama "The Duellists" and 1979's "Alien," Tony Scott bombed with his debut, 1983's supernatural romance "The Hunger," with David Bowie and Catherine Deneuve.

He vaulted into Hollywood's top ranks the next time out, with "Top Gun," followed a year later by "Beverly Hills Cop II," both with producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

The two brothers ran Scott Free Productions and were working jointly on a film called "Killing Lincoln," based on the best seller by Bill O'Reilly. Along with countless commercials, their company produced the CBS dramas "NUMB3RS" and "The Good Wife" as well as a 2011 documentary about the Battle of Gettysburg for the History Channel.

Tony Scott said he gained perspective by mixing things up between film, TV and commercials. "I like changing the pace of my life, changing my discipline. It gives me ideas for how to see the world differently," Scott said in a 2007 interview. Besides "Unstoppable," Scott worked with Washington on four other movies: "Crimson Tide," ''Man on Fire," Deja Vu" and "The Taking of Pelham 123."

In a tweet Sunday, director Ron Howard said, "No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day."

Director Jon Favreau tweeted, "Such sad news about Tony Scott. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."

Other Scott films include "True Romance," written by Quentin Tarantino, "The Fan," with Robert De Niro, and "Enemy of the State," starring Will Smith.

Scott was married to actress Donna Scott, who appeared in several of her husband's films. They have twin sons.

Completed in 1963, the 6,060-foot Vincent Thomas Bridge links rises 185 feet at its highest point above the Los Angeles Harbor. Many have taken their lives by jumping from the span.

The bridge has been used in many Hollywood productions, among them "Charlie's Angels," "Gone in 60 Seconds" and "The Fast and the Furious."

CHRISTOPHER WEBER,Associated Press


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Tony Scott's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 20, 2024

Someone posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2024

Diana Lee posted to the memorial.

August 19, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.

95 Entries

July 20, 2024

Tony Scott, you are an absolute visionary and an artist. From True Romance to Deja Vu, thank you for everything you have given the world.

Diana Lee

January 21, 2024

It is January 2024 and I am so very late with my condolences but they are heartfelt and as such, timeless. Thank you, Tony Scott, for your amazingly brilliant work as a sought after director of films. I don’t have any idea how many times I’ve seen Top Gun, one of my favorite movies of all time, and I’m very grateful to you for that wonderful contribution and to Tom Cruise and all of the great cast. As one who has been treated medically for clinical depression, I understand your pain, the desperate loneliness of it. To anyone reading this and suffering, please seek help, it’s definitely there. Deepest condolences to all the Scott family, and thank you again, sir. Rest In Peace.

August 19, 2017

My condolences. I hope fond memories fill the hearts and minds of friends and family who knew him. WC Florida

Sima Bess

October 6, 2012

I'm so sorry!!

August 29, 2012

To the family of Scott I am very sorry to hear about your loss please take courage in revaluation 21:3,4

Jessica sweet

August 28, 2012

One of my absolute favorite directors. Will be missed

shelly lucas

August 28, 2012

r i p

lopez

August 26, 2012

I llight a candle for you...may your soul be at peace...

marla latinakova

marla latinakova

August 26, 2012

Sad to hear this. My prayers are with his family. A hugely talented man.

Shirley Williams

August 25, 2012

May GOD be with the family during these hard times and always have faith that God make no mistakes. My prayers will be with you all.

Randall Toney

August 25, 2012

I pray that family and friends find answers and peace.

Ivy

August 24, 2012

Peace Be With You and Your Family.

Michele Varon

August 24, 2012

It was my great honor to have worked for Tony and Ridley at RSA USA. I am so sad. Hopefully the loss of Tony will bring more attention to suicide ... help to those who suffer ... And help to survivors of suicide. Check out suicideology.org . I just lost my brother to suicide.

Suzanne Russell

August 24, 2012

Our thoughts and prayer's go out to you and your family.

Patricia Mattson

August 24, 2012

I cannot believe such a talent is no more. My favortes. I always made sure to look for the Scotts' movies, both on TV and theatres, for together they were the very best in entertainment. My blessings and prayers are with the Scott family.

Maty D'Amico

August 24, 2012

May Jesus be your light, May God take you home and the Holy Spirit dwell within your soul. Peace to your loved ones during this most difficult time. Thank you for sharing your talents Tony...

Debbie

August 23, 2012

Our hearts break for the Scott family who has to endure this most painful time. May the God of all comfort continue to provide the needed strength to survive the sorrow.

August 23, 2012

May he b with His father

The Ellington's

August 23, 2012

A blessing to the Scott Family and friends. Please find comfort in the wonderful memories you must have. He is at peace now, so we should all offer up a prayer in his name. God bless you.

peggie bell

August 23, 2012

Bless your family and you will be surly missed by everyone......

Anthony Casaundra

August 23, 2012

God Bless the family, Our prayers are with you.

Diana

August 23, 2012

May God help Ur loving family through this most painful time Tony .... I pray Ur soul is finally at peace U will forever be remembered for ur amazing talent and the good times Ur wonderful movies brought us Thank U Tony !!!!!

Karen McElwee

August 23, 2012

One of my favorite films of all time being True Romance. Thank you for all of the greatness, Mr. Scott. You were pretty great yourself. Godspeed to you and to all of yours, Sir.

Linda

August 23, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the family. May the peace of God be with you and comfort you in this time.

Sherry

August 23, 2012

May the great memories you have of this amazingly talented man bring you peace and comfort.

Diana O'Connor

August 22, 2012

Rip Tony, I am so sorry you were in so much pain you felt you had to leave, now it's your family who is left in pain. I will pray for them now. God Bless

Rosy Santiago

August 22, 2012

Such a sad ending to a wonderful career.. May the good Lord provide comfort to his family...

August 22, 2012

Sad and tragic. No One knows what goes on inside of one's head. May the savior Jesus who carried our pains and sorrows to the cross support you all the day long until you see him again in the next life
Put your trust in the living savior now. Peace.
Ron case, rock hill sc

Linda Sherman

August 22, 2012

Mr Scott will be remembered for all the amazing entertainment he has given us.
I pray that God gives his family strength for their great loss.

August 22, 2012

A special effects genius. My sorrow for those close to him and his family.

Krysti Jones

August 22, 2012

My thoughts & prayers are with you all... Such a remarkable intelligent man!!! Much love & respect...

chris cazzato

August 22, 2012

to the scott family im so sorry for your loss,its not how he diedbut how he made us laugh god rest your soul tony thank u.

August 21, 2012

Thank you for your brilliant movies. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Jenna Vancouver, BC

S

August 21, 2012

Peace to you mr. Tony. Wish you hadn't gone before your time.

Jonathan K.

August 21, 2012

You made great movies. May your soul be in peace. God bless you Tony Scott.

Lorraine

August 21, 2012

My sympathies to the family. From a fan.

Michael Driscoll

August 21, 2012

You are loved forever

J Banks

August 21, 2012

So sorry to learn of Mr. Scott's passing. My deepest condolences to his family, especially, Ridley, his brother.

Lily

August 21, 2012

Rest in peace.

August 21, 2012

Love.
Nobody ever dies.. its just a transition.. much pure love, light and healing to all of Tony Scotts loved ones, his family and friends.. and thank you Tony for all you are, for all you have shared and may you be in rest, in Love and peace..we are all connected.. we are infinite conciousness.. there is no seperation.. we are all comming home.

Paul Deckard

August 21, 2012

Love.

Tami Bowers

August 21, 2012

Such a great loss!! I helped train Tony's dog "T". Tony would have me come and sit in the living room, and just chat about life. What a kind man, he will be missed!! God rest his soul

James Willner

August 21, 2012

May the eternal light shine upon him....

Caroline De la Hoyde

August 21, 2012

R.I.P Mr Scott!!

Susan Miller

August 21, 2012

To Mr. Scott's family,
My sincerest condolences. I lost a brother who took his life. It is a mystery that is difficult to ever unfold. Know that God takes only the best. Please find comfort in the fact that Mr. Scott is finally at peace.

L L R Family

August 21, 2012

Our sincere condolences to his wife and sons. May you find comfort and strength from God's words when the time will be: no resident will say:“I am sick"
"He (God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore The former things have passed away.”

ms

August 21, 2012

My deepest condolences to the Scott family. May the God who gives peace be with you all.

greg bachman

August 21, 2012

truly my best friend

michelle plakas-kaiser

August 21, 2012

rip

August 20, 2012

God please bless Tony Scott's family with peace, comfort and strength during their days of sorrow.

Rest in peace, Tony

Praying for the family at this time.

S of Alabama

Sheryl R. Lamb-Davis

August 20, 2012

To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Tony made some great movies. May God comfort you through this sad, tragic time.

Sherry Johnson

August 20, 2012

My sincere condolences to the family. My father also commited suicide and know the pain and confusion it can cause. May Mr. Scott Rest In Peace and God give your family comfort at this difficult time.

Anne Pilgrim

August 20, 2012

I am so sad about the tragedy of Tony Scott. What a loss. He was fabulous..May God keep His family in His loving arms. Rest in Peace Tony Scott. You will be remembered.

Sammie Carails

August 20, 2012

Hope you have found peace, Tony

JOAN ABEL

August 20, 2012

R.I.P.DEAR TONY !!

Daphne Cherry

August 20, 2012

Tony Scott gone?? Nooooo! Chin sinks to chest and then tear with names of Tony, wife and sons suddenly falls and gently, silently rolls down cheek. An immeasurable loss ... a sad, sad day. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Sheila Smith

August 20, 2012

Peace and love to his family at this sad time. Godspeed Tony.

Nestor Rivera

August 20, 2012

My Sincere Condolence Tony Scott and Family.Sincerely,Nestor Luis Rivera P.O Box 937 Norwalk CT 06852

Jacquie Roland

August 20, 2012

So heartbreaking. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. I was only privileged to know him through his films, and I'll miss him terribly. How tragic this must be for them. R.I.P. Mr. Scott.

Vicky

August 20, 2012

So terribly sad. My condolences to Mr. Scott's family, friends and fans. Love and Peace to all.

Carrie Rowland

August 20, 2012

God will be with your family. Mr.Tony are with the angels now in final peace. So many will miss your work and You. I hope your family, friends, and your many fans find peace in your wonderful works. God be with you all during this terrible loss. Jesus will help u heal.

Grady Youngblood

August 20, 2012

Ton Scott is the Greatest Director on the
Top Gun is Rated #1

August 20, 2012

Rest in peace Tony
Tom

August 20, 2012

The world will be missing you.. RIP! who would forget a movie like Top Gun! Let there be no more pain nor suffering... my deepest sympathy to Mrs Scott and his twin sons.

Garcia

August 20, 2012

To The Scott Family: May God comfort you during this time of pain and sorrow. Mr. Scott was a brilliant man, who allowed us to go on his visionary journeys. Take heed that he is no longer in pain, but in a better place, resting in peace. Prayers and blessing for his family, friends and colleagues. He will be missed.

lisa jarrell

August 20, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Donna James

August 20, 2012

Thank you, Tony you made the movies we loved possible. May God's light shine on you and your and your family. Gentle Jesus, meek and mild let you be God's newest Child.

KAREN JABLONSKI

August 20, 2012

RIP

August 20, 2012

My condolences to the Scott family during this difficult time.-Ps.62:8

B O

August 20, 2012

My condolences to the Scott family. May you all find comfort in Gods word.(1cor.15:21,22).

janet allesxandro

August 20, 2012

Rip tony no more pain god bless his familey tony you were loved and will be missed. Thank u for your movies

August 20, 2012

I'm so sorry for your loss. God will truly comfort you through these difficult times. Psalms 46:1

Renato Friello

August 20, 2012

So very sorry for your loss, he will be missed.

August 20, 2012

Heartfelt sympathy to Tony's family....so sorry for the loss of your beloved Tony... God bless you all!

Cheryl

August 20, 2012

. My deepest sympathy to his family

beemer

August 20, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this sad time. You have brought much joy to us with the movies you created. May God hold you close and His angels surround your family.

ER

August 20, 2012

I am so very sorry about your passing. With prayers and condolences to your family and friends.

August 20, 2012

My deepest condolences to his wife, children, and other family members and friends. He was a gifted filmmaker who gave the world quite a number of inspired films. RIP, Tony Scott. You will be sorely missed.
A grieving fan in Munich, Germany

August 20, 2012

R.I.P. Prayers for your family.

karen walker

August 20, 2012

Awe! Tony you brought us so much pleasure.I hope you know that so many will mourn you and miss you greatly..God bless you and your family,hope they will be strong...karen

Nancy

August 20, 2012

So sad that a brilliant director, husband, and father has died. My deepest sympathy to his family

Patricia Curry

August 20, 2012

My sincere sympathy to the Scott family. May Tony rest with the angels now. He will continue to live on not only through his family but through his wonderful creative talents and the many hours of delight they have brought to all of us. God Bless.

Scott Chamberland

August 20, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Patricia Ward

August 20, 2012

R.I.P. Tony Scott, you will be missed. You made some "GREAT" Movies.

David Mayo

August 20, 2012

Tony, your movies were awesome. We'll never forget you.

Eugenio Maldonado

August 20, 2012

great story teller, R.I.P

Harry Simpson

August 20, 2012

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

bryant butler

August 20, 2012

Sorry for the lost of great man..

Showing 1 - 95 of 95 results

Make a Donation
in Tony Scott's name

How to support Tony's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Tony Scott's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign Tony Scott's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 20, 2024

Someone posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2024

Diana Lee posted to the memorial.

August 19, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.