Filmmaker Lynn Shelton, who died unexpectedly at age 54 in May, was posthumously nominated for an Emmy for her work directing several episodes of the popular Hulu series “Little Fires Everywhere.” After the news, the celebrities who worked with her are paying tribute to the director once again.
Kerry Washington, who played one of the show’s stars, tweeted Tuesday that she was “thinking of the joy and vision that Lynn Shelton brought to the world and to this show. Congratulations Lynn, I hope you are celebrating in the hereafter.”
Thinking of the joy and vision that Lynn Shelton brought to the world and to this show. Congratulations Lynn, I hope you are celebrating in the afterlife ❤️❤️❤️❤️https: //t.co/eFzkdHVx2J
– kerry washington (@kerrywashington) July 28, 2020
In a recent interview with Deadline, he reflected more on working with Shelton.
“My heart really swells when I think of the Lynn Shelton nomination because it is a devastating loss to our storytelling community,” she told the store. “She was a tremendous talent and such a beautiful person … Having her beautiful work recognized in this way is so meaningful.”
Reese Witherspoon, who starred opposite Washington, shared her tribute in a comment in an Instagram post by podcaster Marc Maron, who was dating Shelton at the time of his death.
Along with a photo of Shelton’s jean jacket she got while working on “Little Fires Everywhere,” Maron wrote, “I know that Lynn Shelton would indeed be delighted with her Emmy nomination for directing for LFE. Deserved. She was the real deal. I miss her. A lot. I love her. #RIP “
Witherspoon replied, “She deserves everything! She put her heart and soul on the screen. You’re right, she was the real deal. I miss her too.”
The “Big Little Lies” actor also tweeted, “Our dear Lynn Shelton. A beautiful way to honor her spirit and inspiring work.”
Actor Mark Duplass, star of one of Shelton’s first films, “Humpday” in 2009, also remembered her on Twitter.
“What a wonderful honor for our dear friend Lynn,” she said. “Let’s continue to honor her legacy. Support your peers. Realize your potential. Laugh, laugh, laugh … and then laugh a little more.”
What a wonderful honor for our dear friend Lynn. Let’s all continue honoring her legacy. Support your peers. Realize your potential. Laugh, laugh, laugh … and then laugh a little more. https://t.co/iEllRxFoEy
– Mark Duplass (@MarkDuplass) July 28, 2020
Shelton died of a previously unidentified blood disorder in mid-May, she reported TODAY. She collapsed after being ill for a week and was taken to a hospital, where she died less than 24 hours later. At the time of her death, both Washington and Witherspoon opened up about Shelton’s impact on their lives.
In an Instagram post with a photo of her and Shelton, Witherspoon wrote: “I am completely shocked that this vibrant, talented and soulful filmmaker is no longer with us.”
On Twitter, Washington added: “You came into my life and immediately changed me for the better. What an inspiration! Your vision. Your enthusiasm for life. Your fiercely independent spirit. Your humor, love and dedication. As an artist. A mother. A director. a conspirator. a light. “
