Actor Tom Sizemore, who starred in huge hits including “Saving Private Ryan” and “Born Killers” passed away tonight (Saturday) at the age of 61. Sizemore’s representative confirmed his death to CNN.
Sizemore “passed away peacefully in his sleep” at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Burbank, Calif., with his two sons and his brother, Paul Sizemore, by his side, a statement released on behalf of the family said.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my older brother Tom,” Paul Sizemore said in a statement. “He was larger than life. He influenced my life more than anyone I know. He was talented, loving, giving and could entertain you endlessly with his wit and storytelling ability. I am devastated that he is gone and will always miss him.”
On Monday, Sizemore’s family said doctors told them there was “no more hope” and recommended an “end-of-life decision” due to his health, according to a released statement. “We ask for privacy for his family during this difficult time and they wish to thank everyone for the hundreds of messages of support and prayers received. It was a difficult time for them.”
Detroit native Sizemore made a name for himself in Hollywood playing tough guys. He had an early, small role in Oliver Stone’s 1989 film Born on the Fourth of July and scored his television break as Sgt. Winnie Ventraska in the ABC series “China Beach”.
Sizemore followed this up with appearances in various films, including 1991’s Breaking Point, 1993’s True Romance, 1994’s Natural Born Killers, and 1995’s Strange Days.
His role as Beth Masterson in Kevin Costner’s Wyatt Earp western earned Sizemore praise. He went on to other major roles in Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down, both released in 2001.