RIP Jonathan Demma: From Tom Hanks to Jodie Foster; reactions pour in

Jonathan Demme, the eclectic, ever-enthusiastic filmmaker behind the Oscar winners The Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia, and the director of one of the most seminal concert films ever made, the Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense, has died. He was 73.

Here are some reactions:

“Jonathan taught us how big a heart a person can have, and how it will guide how we live and what we do for a living. He was the grandest of men.” - actor Tom Hanks in a statement.

“Whenever I ran into Jonathan, he was filled with enthusiasm and excitement about a new project. He took so much joy in moviemaking. His pictures have an inner lyricism that just lifts them off the ground -even a story like The Silence of the Lambs.” - director Martin Scorsese in a statement.

“He was an inspiration for me, a beautiful filmmaker and a great spirit. Always smiling, always involved with the world and always pushing you to go for your best. He’ll be deeply missed.” - singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen in a statement.

“I last saw Jonathan Demme four years ago today. Had no idea till this morning that it would be for the last time. Jonathan was a born movie-maker: he loved people and he loved filming them. Fictional or actual, he caught so many lives and glimpses of lives and framed them for others to enjoy. Jonathan was a true keeper of souls, and now we must celebrate his. He did a lot for me, too - thank you, JD. ‘Are you ready for your close-up?’ - musician Robyn Hitchcock in a statement.

“I am heart-broken to lose a friend, a mentor, a guy so singular and dynamic you’d have to design a hurricane to contain him. Jonathan was as quirky as his comedies and as deep as his dramas. He was pure energy, the unstoppable cheerleader for anyone creative. Just as passionate about music as he was about art, he was and will always be a champion of the soul. JD, most beloved, something wild, brother of love, director of the lambs. Love that guy. Love him so much.” - The Silence of the Lambs star Jodie Foster in a statement.