Tom Sizemore, a noteworthy actor in Hollywood known for his roles in hit films such as “Saving Private Ryan,” “Heat,” and “Natural Born Killers,” passed away at 61 on Friday, confirmed by his representative, Charles Lago.
Just weeks earlier, he had been hospitalized after suffering from a brain aneurysm in mid-February, and doctors had advised his family to make end-of-life decisions on Monday.
Born and raised in Detroit, Sizemore made his mark through playing tough-guy roles in blockbuster hits. His career kicked off with a small role in the Oliver Stone film, “Born on the Fourth of July,” and he went on to star in other notable films, such as the 1991 classic “Point Break,” the 1993 Tarantino classic “True Romance,” “Natural Born Killers” (1994), and “Strange Days” (1995). Costarring on Kevin Costner’s western, “Wyatt Earp,” Sizemore received much praise. His acclaimed roles in “Pearl Harbor” and “Black Hawk Down,” both released in 2001, further cemented his place in Hollywood.
Adding to his list of achievements, Sizemore had appeared in the successful Netflix series “Cobra Kai” and the independent supernatural movie, “Impuratus.” Despite all of his accomplishments, his fame on screen was at times overshadowed by coverage of his life and struggles off of it.
He was famously convicted for domestic abuse against former girlfriend and Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss in 2003, in addition to having further legal complications. After seeking help for his addiction to cocaine, heroin, and meth, Sizemore made appearances on VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” in 2010.
In one of his last interviews in 2022, Sizemore was quoted speaking fondly of the magic of movies that he saw as both a child and as a teenager while watching “The Wizard of Oz” and “Taxi Driver,” respectively.
His family has asked for privacy during this difficult time and thanked everyone for their messages of support and prayers.