Cause of death: Director Jean-Marc Vallée is dead

Jean-Marc Vallée had been a fixture in the film business for years. The Canadian-born director was not only active as a director, but also as an actor, screenwriter and producer. Fans may know him primarily through formats such as "Big Little Lies," "C.R.A.Z.Y.—Crazy Life" or "Dallas Buyers Club." He has won several awards for his work, including a nomination for a coveted Oscar.

Now Vallée's longtime colleague Nathan Ross confirmed in an interview with "The Hollywood Reporter" that the 58-year-old had died unexpectedly. According to the report, he was found lifeless in his home near Quebec, Canada, last weekend. A cause of death was not disclosed.

Emotional statement
"Jean-Marc stood for creativity, authenticity and doing things differently. He was a true artist and a generous, kind person," Ross recalled. Everyone who worked with Vallée saw his talent, he says. "He was a friend, a creative partner and a big brother to me." He will be missed, he said—but there is some comfort in knowing that his works will "live on" after his death.

HBO also commented, stating that it was shocked by the sudden death of the father of two. "Jean-Marc Vallée was a brilliant, passionately committed filmmaker, a truly phenomenal talent," the company commemorated the deceased.

In an interview five years ago, Vallée spoke of his involvement in Hollywood—and what he loved about that world: "The dream. Dreams can come true. I'm living the dream right now."