July 23, 2015–James L. White, who wrote the screenplay for the 2004 Oscar-winning biopic Ray, has died. He was 67.
Ray was the writer’s only credited screenplay that was produced.
The writer passed away early Thursday morning in Santa Monica, his attorney Matthew H. Saver said, dying from complications of pancreatic and liver cancer.
White’s story for the drama chronicled the career evolution of singer Ray Charles, who was portrayed by Jamie Foxx in an Oscar-winning turn. The movie was directed by Taylor Hackford, who is also credited on the story.
The biopic was nominated for six Academy Awards and White was nominated for best original screenplay at the British Academy Film Awards.
“Jimmy White was a lovely man and a terrific writer,” Hackford said in a statement. “His insights as a black man growing up in the south [Kentucky] were an invaluable asset in writing the script for Ray.”
White’s family stated that there won’t be services for the writer, who’s said to have stated: “Don’t throw a funeral because I won’t be there.”
