American film writer and producer, Joe Gayton has been reported dead by his brother. He died after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer at the age of 66. His death occurred on Sunday, May 14, 2023.
Gayton started his career when he was still his in 20s. He made his Hollywood debut when he wrote Uncommon Valor starring Gene Hackman. He went on to write the 1996 action comedy film Bulletproof along with Lewis Colick.
Along with his brother, he has written and produced several movies and tv shows including Southern Comfort, The Novice, Faster, Warm Summer Rain, The Hills Have Eyes III: Mind Ripper, Sweet Jane, Shout, The Shepherd: Border Patrol, and more.
“Joe was one of a kind. He was passionate, creative, loud, boisterous, argumentative, unfiltered, soft-hearted, hilarious, and terrible at the politics of this cutthroat business. He was a big brother, mentor, writing partner, and best friend to me. Our hearts are shattered at his passing and we will miss him forever,” Tony Gayton said after his brother’s death.