Lynn Shelton dies: Independent filmmaker who directed episodes of Little Fires Everywhere, Mad Men and GLOW was 54

Entertainment Weekly

Shelton died Friday of a previously unidentified blood disorder. The director made her mark on numerous TV shows, including New Girl, The Mindy Project, Shameless, Maron, Master of None, The Morning show and Dickinson. She directed Marc Maron's last two comedy specials, including the recently released End Times Fun. Maron was in a romantic relationship with Shelton when she died. “I have some awful news,” he said in a statement Saturday. “Lynn passed away last night. She collapsed yesterday morning after having been ill for a week. There was a previously unknown, underlying condition. It was not COVID-19. The doctors could not save her. They tried. Hard.” Mindy Kaling paid tribute to Shelton, tweeting: "Lynn Shelton loved actors and we loved her back. She was a dream on set. Her lovely, sunny energy was infectious and actors always drifted to video village between takes to be around her. She had such a quiet power and I will miss her. Rest In Peace, Lynn. Love you." Ava DuVernay tweeted: "Lynn Shelton changed my life when she handed me the Directing Award at Sundance in 2012. She announced my name with pride. Handed it to me with love. Rooted for me long after. I can’t believe I’m typing this. Rest In Peace, Beauty. Thank you for your films. And for your kindness." Reese Witherspoon, who worked with Shelton on The Morning Show and Little Fires Everywhere, wrote on Instagram: "I’m so devastated to hear about Lynn Shelton’s passing yesterday. I’m in complete shock that this vibrant, talented, and soulful filmmaker is no longer with us. Lynn was so passionate about our show, Little Fires Everywhere. She said the book truly spoke to her, and that she longed to direct a show that spoke meaningfully about motherhood, sexuality, race, and class in America. And she did. She cared deeply about the WHOLE cast and crew, making sure we all felt heard, seen and appreciated."