James Foley, director of Fifty Shades sequels and Glengarry Glen Ross, dies at 71

Renowned film and television director James Foley has died at the age of 71 following a yearlong battle with brain cancer, his family confirmed on May 8, 2025.

Foley was best known for directing the Fifty Shades of Grey sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, as well as the critically acclaimed film Glengarry Glen Ross.

Born on December 28, 1953, in Brooklyn, Foley launched his directing career with the 1984 film Reckless. He quickly rose to prominence with At Close Range (1986), a crime thriller starring Sean Penn and Christopher Walken. Foley’s collaboration with Madonna in the 1980s—directing several of her iconic music videos including “Live to Tell,” “Papa Don’t Preach,” and “True Blue”—further cemented his place in pop culture history. He also directed Madonna in the feature film Who’s That Girl.

Foley's most notable cinematic achievement came with Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), a powerful adaptation of David Mamet’s play featuring an ensemble cast that included Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin. The film became a staple of 1990s drama cinema.

In television, Foley directed episodes for major series including House of Cards, Billions, Hannibal, and Wayward Pines. His work on House of Cards included 12 episodes over the show’s first three seasons.

James Foley is survived by his siblings Kevin, Eileen, and Jo Ann Foley, and nephew Quinn Foley. He was predeceased by his brother Gerard Foley. His legacy spans music videos, high-stakes drama, and global box office hits.