Jonathan Demme, the Oscar-winning director of the “Silence of the Lambs” has died, his representative confirmed Wednesday. He was 73. 
“Sadly, I can confirm that Jonathan passed away early this morning in his Manhattan apartment, surrounded by his wife, Joanne Howard, and three children,” his rep. said.
“He died from complications from oesophageal cancer and is survived by his children Ramona, age 29, and her husband James Molloy, Brooklyn, age 26, and Jos, age 21.”
The director missed the premier of his 2015 movie “Ricki and The Flash” because he was being treated for cancer.
Demme is perhaps best known for his work on “Silence of the Lambs.” The chilling horror and suspense film starring Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster delved into the mind of a psychopathic, cannibal killer and the investigator who had no choice but to seek his help. The film won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
He also directed the Oscar-winning movie “Philadelphia,” starring Tom Hanks, remembered Demming as “the grandest of men” in a statement to Entertainment weekly.
“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,” Hanks said the statement.