Jonathan Demme Dead - Oscar-Winning Director Dies at 73

Jonathan Demme, who won an Oscar for directing the horror film Silence of the Lambs, has passed away at the age of 73.

According to reports, he passed away from esophageal cancer and complications from heart disease, IndieWire reports. Jonathan originally battled the disease back in 2010, but suffered a recurrence in 2015 and deteriorated in recent weeks.

In addition to directing Silence of the Lambs, Jonathan also directed Philadelphia, 2004′s The Manchurian Candidate, Melvin and Howard, Justin Timberlake + the Tennessee Kids, and many more. He worked with countless actors including Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks and more.

Jonathan is survived by his wife, artist Joanne Howard, and their three children.