Jean-Marc Vallée, Director of ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘Dallas Buyers Club,’ Dies “Suddenly” at 58

Jean-Marc Vallée, the Canadian writer, director, editor, and producer behind hits like Dallas Buyers Club, Big Little Lies, and Sharp Objects, has died. His passing came “suddenly,” per Deadline, who broke the news, and that his family and close advisors are “in shock.” He was 58.

Vallée passed away at his cabin outside Quebec City, per Deadline‘s reporting. HBO, who he teamed with for Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects, has released a statement regarding his passing.

“Jean-Marc Vallée was a brilliant, fiercely dedicated filmmaker, a truly phenomenal talent who infused every scene with a deeply visceral, emotional truth,” HBO said. “He was also a hugely caring man who invested his whole self alongside every actor he directed. We are shocked at the news of his sudden death, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his sons, Alex and Émile, his extended family, and his longtime producing partner, Nathan Ross.”

Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Vallée began his career in filmmaking with short films, eventually making a foray into features with 1995 debut Black List. His big breakthrough came with C.R.A.Z.Y., which was awarded four Genie Awards in Canada. He went on to direct both The Young Victoria and Cafe de Flore.

The director’s smash hit came in 2013 with his Oscar front-runner Dallas Buyers Club. Based on the true story of Ron Woodroof, the drama earned Academy Awards for Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, as well as a Best Editing statue for Vallée under his alias, John Mac McMurphy. Further, Vallée’s hit drama earned nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

He followed with an adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s memoir Wild, another Academy Awards darling. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern, the 2014 flick picked up another three nominations at the Oscars.

Vallée then made a pivot into longform television series, continuing to make a splash at major awards shows like the Emmys and Golden Globes. In 2017, the creator won the DGA Award and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for the HBO Limited Series Big Little Lies. The major HBO series won a total of eight Emmys and four Golden Globes.

Afterwards, he directed and executive produced another HBO limited series in Sharp Objects, an adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s mystery novel. The project was nominated for eight Emmys.

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

Vallée is survived by his sons, Alex and Émile, and siblings Marie-Josée Vallée, Stéphane Tousignant and Gérald Vallée.