By
Maria Pasquini
April 20, 2019 12:50 PM
Famed director John Singleton has reportedly been hospitalized after suffering a stroke.
Singleton, 51, checked himself into the hospital earlier this week after the filmmaker began experiencing weakness in his legs, according to TMZ which also reported that his stroke was “mild” and doctors are currently performing tests.
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Singleton’s family also reportedly told the outlet that prior to his stroke, the Boyz n the Hood director had recently returned to the United States after a trip to Costa Rica.
“On Wednesday, April 17th our beloved son/father, John Singleton, suffered a stroke while at the hospital. John is currently in the ICU and under great medical care,” the Singleton family said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “We ask that privacy be given to him and our family at this time and appreciate all of the prayers that have been pouring in from his fans, friends and colleagues.”
News of Singleton’s stroke was first announced Friday by B. Scott, who reported the news on their blog.
Reps for Singleton did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Earl Gibson III/Getty Images
Friends of Singleton quickly began sharing their thoughts and prayers with the director and his family after news of his health was made public.
“Pray 4 my brother ????✨?. @johnsingleton,” wrote rapper Snoop Dogg, alongside an Instagram photo of the pair together.
Actor Omar Epps also shared his well wishes, writing, “Prayers up for @SHAFT6816 Pull thru brother! The world needs your voice and vision. Prayers up for your family as well.”
Epps starred in singleton’s 1995 film Higher Learning.
Prayers up for @SHAFT6816 ????
Pull thru brother! The world needs your voice and vision. Prayers up for your family as well ????— OMAR EPPS (@omarepps) April 20, 2019
Prayers up Ya'll. I just woke up & heard director John Singleton had a stroke. We still need you Sir, please fight it & bounce back.?
— P.M. Dawn (@OfficialPMDawn) April 20, 2019
In 1992, Singleton became the youngest person, and the first African American, to ever be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director. He was nominated for his work directing classic Boyz n the Hood.
Throughout his career, Singleton also directed, wrote and produced Poetic Justice (1993) and Shaft (2000). He went on to direct 2 Fast 2 Furious in 2003.
Most recently, he co-created the FX drama series Snowfall, which was renewed for a third season last year.