New York Daily News

‘Dallas Buyers Club’ director Vallée dies, 58

- BY KATE FELDMAN

Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallée, known best for making “Dallas Buyers Club” and “Big Little Lies,” was found dead Sunday at his cabin in Quebec City. He was 58.

A cause of death has not been announced.

“Jean-Marc stood for creativity, authentici­ty and trying things differentl­y. He was a true artist and a generous, loving guy,” his producing partner, Nathan Ross, told People.

“Everyone who worked with him couldn’t help but see the talent and vision he possessed. He was a friend, creative partner and an older brother to me. The maestro will sorely be missed but it comforts knowing his beautiful style and impactful work he shared with the world will live on.”

Ross did not immediatel­y return a request for comment from the Daily News Monday.

After beginning his career directing music videos, Vallée (photo below) moved on to feature films, including “Liste noire (Black List),” “C.R.A.Z.Y.,” which won four Genie Awards in Canada, including best picture, best screenplay and best director, and “The Young Victoria,” Martin Scorsese’s period piece about the British royal starring Emily Blunt.

His 2013 film “Dallas Buyers Club” told the true story of a Texas electricia­n, played by Matthew McConaughe­y, who was diagnosed with AIDS and spent his remaining days smuggling unapproved drugs into the state to help himself and others with a similar prognosis. The movie, which also starred Jennifer Garner and Jared Leto, earned six Oscar nomination­s and two wins, best actor for McConaughe­y and best supporting actor for Leto.

A year later, Vallée followed up with Reese Witherspoo­n’s Oscar-nominated “Wild” before pivoting to the small screen to direct “Big Little Lies,” where he reunited with Witherspoo­n, and “Sharp Objects.”

“My heart is broken,” Witherspoo­n tweeted Monday. “My friend. I love you.”

Shailene Woodley, who starred in “Big Little Lies,” said she was “in shock.”

“But I guess somehow I know you will turn it into a grand adventure … one for the books.”

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