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Curtis Hanson was the director whose "crazy idea" led to Eminem's 8 Mile. That's according to Eminem himself, who has paid tribute to Hanson following his death overnight. Hanson died of "natural causes" at the age of 71, the Los Angeles Police Department have confirmed. In addition to directing 8 Mile, Hanson picked up an Oscar in 1998 for directing L.A. Confidential.
“Curtis Hanson believed in me and our crazy idea to make a rap battle movie set in Detroit,” Eminem said in a statement to Billboard. “He basically made me into an actor for 8 Mile. I’m lucky I got to know him.”
His directing credits also included The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, In Her Shoes, and Wonder Boys. Most recently, Hanson directed the HBO film Too Big To Fail, about the financial crisis.
See below for more Hollywood tributes to the late director.
RIP Curtis Hansen . Thank you for believing in me & standing your ground. In reality you made my job a career. Love & respect my friend.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 21, 2016
It was an honor to make "Bad Influence" with Curtis Hanson. So smart, so kind and a great storyteller. I will miss him.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) September 21, 2016
So sad to hear about Curtis Hanson. great director. great man. Riding that river with him was one of the greatest gigs of my life
— Kevin Bacon (@kevinbacon) September 21, 2016
This saddens me deeply. I worked with Curtis on #TooBigToFail. Great director and the nicest man. RIP, dear friend. https://t.co/UMo04Vbaeu
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) September 21, 2016