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The Hollywood community took to social media today to mourn the death of indie film and television director Lynn Shelton, who passed away yesterday from a blood disorder. She was 54 years old.
Lynn Shelton loved actors and we loved her back. She was a dream on set. Her lovely, sunny energy was infectious and actors always drifted to video village between takes to be around her. She had such a quiet power and I will miss her. Rest In Peace, Lynn. Love you. pic.twitter.com/jGvbSV3fN1
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) May 16, 2020
Shelton's film, “Humpday," starring Marc Duplass, won a Special Jury Prize at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. She went on to write and direct several more indie hits, including "Your Sister's Sister," "Outside In" and, most recently, "Sword of Trust."
In recent years she directed for prominent TV series including “Mad Men," "The Mindy Project," “Glow" and “Little Fires Everywhere."
Shelton was outspoken about making films on shoestring budgets, without asking for permission from Hollywood gatekeepers.
“I self-generated my work, and I never went around asking permission to make it," Shelton told the Los Angeles Times in 2014. “The main reason women make inroads in independent film is that no one has to say, ‘I pick you.’ I’m not pounding on anybody’s door. I’m just making my own way."
At the time of her death, she was in a relationship with comedian Marc Maron, who starred in "Sword of Trust." She directed his recent stand-up special, appropriately titled "End Times Fun," for Netflix.
Lynn Shelton was a force. So good, so smart, and so brave. And really kind. Sending my heart to her family and friends. 💔
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) May 16, 2020
Lynn Shelton was an inspiration for female filmmakers and someone I really looked up to. She let me ask questions, take risks, and make mistakes. She directed with clarity and kindness. This is a devastating loss, Lynn had such an infectious spirit and so much more to give. pic.twitter.com/RGgEvI6yhm
— Britt Baron (@brittbaron) May 16, 2020
me & #lynnshelton. in a bathtub. in a @LittleFiresHulu office. we were staring at the tub, trying to figure out how pauline & mia would take photos of each other in it & she says "come on let's get in!" that's so lynn. unselfconsciously diving in. so hard to believe she is gone. pic.twitter.com/zH0JASn6qw
— Amy Talkington (@amytalkington) May 16, 2020
We lost our dear friend Lynn Shelton. We made so many things together. I wish we had made more. Her boundless creative energy and infectious spirit were unrivaled. She made me better. We butted heads, made up, laughed, pushed each other. Like family. What a deep loss. pic.twitter.com/LcowmbGqum
— Mark Duplass (@MarkDuplass) May 16, 2020
Shelton appeared last year on KPCC's The Frame. You can listen to the full epsiode here.
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