Tom Sizemore, best known for his role in Saving Private Ryan, has died at the age of 61.
Tom, who rose to fame in the 1990s, often playing supporting roles as tough guy, suffered a brain aneurysm on Saturday, February 18, a representative for the actor confirmed the news.
“He is in the hospital,” Charles Lago told the media shortly after the incident. “His family is aware of the situation and are hoping for the best. It is too early to know about [a] recovery situation as he is in critical condition and under observation.”
Tom collapsed at his home in Los Angeles and was transported to hospital soon after. At the time, his manager said the family were “deciding on end of life matters” after being told by doctors that “there is no further hope.”
Lago stated in a statement to Variety that the family ultimately decided to remove him from life support on March 3.
“It is with great sadness and sorrow I have to announce that actor Thomas Edward Sizemore (‘Tom Sizemore’) aged 61 passed away peacefully in his sleep today at St Joseph’s Hospital Burbank,” Lago’s statement reads. “His brother Paul and twin boys Jayden and Jagger (17) were at his side.”
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my big brother Tom,” his brother Paul Sizemore said in a statement, as reported by Variety. “He was larger than life. He has influenced my life more than anyone I know. He was talented, loving, giving and could keep you entertained endlessly with his wit and storytelling ability. I am devastated he is gone and will miss him always.”
Tom had quite a career. Besides what is believed to be one of his biggest roles, that of Mike Horvath in Saving Private Ryan, he also played in “Born on the Fourth of July” alongside Tom Cruise, “Pearl Harbor” with Ben Affleck, and in the television show “Twin Peaks.” He worked as a writer and producer for various projects.
The 61-year-old actor had troubles with the law in the past. In 2003 he was convicted of domestic violence against then-girlfriend Heidi Fleiss, while in 2005, he was sentenced to several months in jail after being caught trying to fake a urine test. But he always spoke openly about his troubles, including his attempts to stay sober.
“I’ve been trying to get sober since 1991 … It became really big news much later than that, but I was trying to stop. I’ve had a problem for a long time. I had periods, long periods, of sobriety and I would end up relapsing,” Tom said in the past.
“I still go to meetings and work my steps, but I had reached a place in my life where I knew I had to stop,” he explained. “I couldn’t be arrogant anymore. If I wanted to reach a nice and pleasant old age, I had to stop. And if I wanted to watch my kids grow up, I needed to reach a place where I knew it was over.
“So far, it has remained over,” he once said. “I still have to do my daily inventory and show up.”
In 2010, Tom participated in the third season of the reality television program Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.
Rest in Peace, Tom Sizemore, you will be dearly missed.
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