'House of Cards' Creator Dies After Filmmaker Battles Serious Illness

American director and screenwriter James Foley has died at the age of 71. The creator of such productions as "In His Circle", "A Stranger" and two sequels to the famous erotic novel based on the prose of EL James, had been struggling with a brain tumor.

James Foley died "peacefully in his sleep earlier this week" at his Los Angeles home after a "year-long battle" with brain cancer , a spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter.

During his fruitful career, the filmmaker has collaborated with the biggest stars of cinema. His productions featured Hollywood veterans - Ed Harris, Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin and Alan Arkin . In the 80s and 90s, the director made several music videos for Madonna's songs - including "Papa Don't Preach", "True Blue" and "Who's That Girl" . He was also active in the television industry, working on such cult series as "Twin Peaks", "Hannibal" and "House of Cards".

James Foley / Shutterstock

Who was James Foley?

Foley was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1953. In his youth, he planned to become a doctor, then considered a career as a psychoanalyst. He graduated from the University at Buffalo and earned a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Southern California . At a student party, he projected his amateur film on a wall, catching the attention of renowned editor and director Hal Ashby , who immediately offered him the chance to produce his debut film. Although Ashby's company went bankrupt before the film was even made, his support was enough to launch Foley's career.

James Foley/photo: Shutterstock

The director's first feature film was the drama "The Rebel of Eberton," starring Daryl Hannah and Aidan Quinn. His next production, the fact-based crime drama "In Their Circle," starring Sean Penn and Christopher Walken , gained much critical acclaim and brought the filmmaker international recognition. Foley's portfolio also includes an adaptation of John Grisham's novel "The Chamber" and two films with Mark Wahlberg: the thriller "Fear" and the crime thriller "The Corruptor."

Foley has been nominated for the Golden Lion, Golden Bear and Golden Spike . He was also nominated for the infamous Golden Raspberry three times - for directing "Fifty Shades Darker", "Fifty Shades Freed" and the comedy "Who's That Girl?" starring Madonna.

The filmmaker leaves behind a brother and two sisters in mourning.