James Foley, the acclaimed American director renowned for his work on both the big screen and television, has passed away at the age of 71. Foley died peacefully in his sleep on May 6, 2025, at his home in Los Angeles, following a battle with brain cancer .

A Versatile and Influential Career

Born on December 28, 1953, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, Foley initially pursued studies in pre-medical and psychoanalysis at the State University of New York at Buffalo. However, his passion for storytelling led him to the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, where he earned an M.F.A. in film study and production .

Foley’s directorial debut came with the 1984 teen drama Reckless, starring Aidan Quinn and Daryl Hannah. He gained critical acclaim with At Close Range (1986), a crime drama featuring Sean Penn and Christopher Walken, which was entered into the 36th Berlin International Film Festival .

In 1992, Foley directed the film adaptation of David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Glengarry Glen Ross, assembling a stellar cast that included Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, and Ed Harris. The film was lauded for its intense performances and sharp dialogue, earning Pacino an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win .

Collaborations with Madonna and Music Video Direction

Foley’s versatility extended to music videos, most notably through his collaborations with Madonna in the 1980s. He directed several of her iconic videos, including “Live to Tell,” “Papa Don’t Preach,” and “True Blue,” all released in 1986. Their professional relationship culminated in the 1987 film Who’s That Girl, with Madonna in the lead role .

Television Endeavors

Beyond film, Foley made significant contributions to television. He directed episodes for acclaimed series such as Twin Peaks, Hannibal, Wayward Pines, Billions, and notably, 12 episodes of Netflix’s political drama House of Cards between 2013 and 2015 .

Final Works and Legacy

In the later stages of his career, Foley directed the final two installments of the Fifty Shades film series: Fifty Shades Darker (2017) and Fifty Shades Freed (2018). These films, based on E.L. James’s novels, were commercial successes, with Fifty Shades Freed grossing $372 million worldwide .

Foley’s diverse body of work showcased his ability to navigate various genres, from intense dramas to psychological thrillers and romantic narratives. His collaborations with prominent actors and musicians, coupled with his distinctive directorial style, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

He is survived by his siblings Kevin, Eileen, and Jo Ann Foley, and his nephew Quinn Foley .