John Singleton was a talented director, producer, and screenwriter who rose to fame with his debut film, Boyz n the Hood, in 1991, which he both wrote and directed.
He was only 24 years old when he was nominated for the Best Director award at the Academy Awards, making him the youngest and the first ever African American to be in the category.
With dedication and passion for his work, he not only built a respected career but also inspired many to step into the entertainment world and achieve their dreams. Though he passed away in 2019, his legacy still lives on through his work, as people still look up to him as an inspiration and want to uncover more about his success story.
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Early Life
Born on 6th January 1968, John Daniel Singleton grew up in Los Angeles, California, where he was raised by his parents, Danny and Sheila. His father was a real estate agent, while his mother worked at a pharmaceutical company.
He grew up in a neighbourhood full of parties and drugs, and to divert his mind from all that, he turned to comic books and movies as a child. He completed his graduation from Blair High School and later enrolled at Pasadena City College before transferring to the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, where he studied screenwriting. His time at USC helped him become more confident and learn the skills needed to be a filmmaker afterward.
Beginning Of Career
Singleton began his career with Boyz n the Hood, a coming-of-age crime drama that turned out to be a commercial hit, earning him an Academy Award nomination as well.
He started working on his second film, “Poetic Justic” after the success of his first film and released it in 1993, featuring Tupac Shakur and Janet Jackson. His next film, “Higher Learning,” arrived in 1995, which again turned out to be a hit, establishing his career further as a filmmaker.
Shot To Fame
John Singleton’s career was on the rise since his debut film, and it got better with every release, making him a prominent name in the industry.
He not only directed and produced other notable films like Rosewood, Baby Boy, Shaft, and Four Brothers but also worked in television, where he directed episodes for shows like American Crime Story and Empire.
Relationship
John Singleton’s personal life was as eventful as his professional career, for he dated several women throughout his career. He married multiple times, but none of his marriages lasted forever. His first wife was Tosha Lewis, with whom he had his first child, and then he married Akosua Busia in 1996. Their marriage lasted for a year before they divorced in 1997.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
John Singleton’s primary income source was his job as a filmmaker, as he worked in the industry for decades. His net worth at the time of his death was around $35 million, which he earned through years of hard work in the industry.
His films, like Boyz n the Hood, Shaft, and Four Brothers, performed well commercially, generating a significant amount and adding to his wealth.
