LOS ANGELES — Tony Scott loved fast cars, riding fast motorcycles and creating some of the most memorable action sequences of the past quarter century. He was even planning a sequel to his hit “Top Gun.”
Yet, on Sunday, police were removing the director’s body from Los Angeles Harbor hours after they say he stopped his car on the towering Vincent Thomas Bridge, and jumped.
His death stunned friends and fans and left Hollywood buzzing about what could have prompted one of the industry’s more successful filmmakers to take an 18-story leap to his death.
An autopsy and notes he left for loved ones could help investigators Monday as they hunt for answers.
The bridge is a favorite filming location for other action directors, although the 68-year-old Scott apparently never used it for one of his films.
Scott, an avid rock climber, directed more than 15 movies, which included such unforgettable sequences as the dog fights of “Top Gun” and the raw power of a runaway train in “Unstoppable.”
As a director and producer, Scott worked with Hollywood’s top actors, including Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Robert Redford and helped influence a generation of action buffs.
Notes to loved ones were found in his car and another location, Coroner’s Chief of Operations Craig Harvey said. The death was being treated as a probable suicide, however an autopsy was scheduled for Monday and an official determination may take several days.
“The family asks that their privacy is respected at this time,” said Simon Halls, a spokesman for Scott and his older brother, Oscar-winning director, Ridley Scott.
The brothers frequently collaborated on movies and their company also produced the successful TV series “Numb3rs” and “The Good Wife.” CBS, which aired both shows, said “one of the brightest lights in the industry has gone out.”
Scott, who was born in Great Britain and lived in Beverly Hills, is survived by a wife, actress Donna Scott, who appeared in several of her husband’s films, and twin sons. He had been planning a sequel “Top Gun,” the movie that helped propel him to other big-budget films.
Scott often said he got his greatest thrills from filmmaking.
“The biggest edge I live on is directing. That’s the most scary, dangerous thing you can do in your life,” Scott said in an interview for his 1995 naval adventure “Crimson Tide.” “The scariest thing in my life is the first morning of production on all my movies. It’s the fear of failing, the loss of face and a sense of guilt that everybody puts their faith in you and not coming through.”
He was the first of the Scott brothers to enjoy blockbuster success with “Top Gun,” starring Cruise, the top-grossing film of 1986 at $176 million. Scott teamed with Cruise again four years later on the hit “Days of Thunder.”
He said he gained perspective by mixing things up between film, TV and commercials.
“I like changing the pace of my life, changing my discipline. It gives me ideas for how to see the world differently,” Scott said in a 2007 interview.
His work impacted a generation of actors and filmmakers, who praised him after learning of death Sunday night.
“The death of Tony Scott is shocking and saddening. He was an inspired craftsman.”
Roger Ebert, via Twitter
“No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day.”
Ron Howard, via Twitter
“Tony was my dear friend and I will really miss him. He was a creative visionary whose mark on film is immeasurable. My deepest sorrow and thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Tom Cruise
“Tony was always sensitive to the needs of an actor. We’ve lost a wonderful, creative talent.”
Gene Hackman
