The cause of Jean-Marc Vallée’s sudden death has been shared.
The “Big Little Lies” director died at the age of 58 on Christmas Day in Quebec from “a fatal cardiac arrhythmia secondary to severe coronary atherosclerosis,” according to a family statement explaining the coroner’s report, obtained by Deadline.
Coronary atherosclerosis, or coronary artery disease (CAD), is a common heart disease that occurs when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease blocks blood flow to the heart and can result in cardiac arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, which can be fatal.
On April 13, Vallée’s sons Alex, 29, and Émile, 25, showed appreciation for the director’s fans, saying in a statement that they have received lots of messages about Vallée’s “friendship, esteem and respect.”
They shared, “We are sincerely grateful and we hope that his creativity will continue to serve as inspiration and guidance to the people in this industry that he was so passionate about.”
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In December, an initial report left Vallée’s family unclear about the cause of his death. In a statement obtained by E! News at the time, the family explained his passing “was not caused by the intervention of another party, a voluntary act, or a known disease.”
Vallée’s two sons, who he shares with ex-wife Chantal Cadieux, previously wrote that they will remember their father as a “generous man, deeply human and who lived life to its fullest.”
“He wanted to live a long life and was working on major projects,” they said in December. “He was a source of inspiration for many and leaves wonderful memories for those who had the privilege to work with him, to love him and to appreciate his craft.”
Vallée is also the director of movies like “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Wild” and “C.R.A.Z.Y.” His talent won him two 2017 Primetime Emmy Awards for outstanding limited series and outstanding directing for a limited series, receiving the recognition for his work on “Big Little Lies.”
The show’s cast shared their condolences on social media after news of his death was announced, remembering the moments they shared on set with Vallée.
“Big Little Lies” alum Nicole Kidman posted a series of photos with the late director, writing in the caption, “It’s hard to imagine someone as vital, energetic and present as Jean-Marc being gone. I’m shattered. He was at the center of my creative universe and I can’t overstate his significance to me.
“Jean-Marc was not only responsible for some of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career, but his friendship, kindness and love were an inspiring force I will carry with me,” she added. “I will always cherish those nights filming above the crashing waves of Big Sur … It doesn’t get better than that. I am forever grateful for my time shared with this extraordinary human.”
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