Oscar-nominated director and screenwriter John Singleton has suffered a stroke, his family said in a statement delivered to USA TODAY on Saturday by spokeswoman Shannon Barr.

The director of "Boyz n the Hood", 51, suffered a stroke while he was in the hospital earlier this week, but he is under "the headache". excellent medical care, "according to his family.

"On Wednesday, April 17, our beloved son / father, John Singleton, suffered a stroke at the hospital.John is currently in intensive care unit and is under excellent medical treatment ", the statement said. "We ask that privacy be preserved for him and our family right now and appreciate all the prayers that flow from his fans, friends and colleagues."

On Saturday, celebrities turned to social media for a quick recovery to the star, including Snoop Dogg, who shared a photo of him and Singleton.

"Pray 4 my brother," he subtitled.

His colleague, Guillermo del Toro, wrote: "Good recovery, John Singleton, such a generous spirit"

Neil deGrasse Tyson wished Singleton "a speedy recovery".

"An opportunity, perhaps, for the rest of us to be amazed by the fact that human physiology really works," he added, accompanied by a photo of 39; them.

Co-creator and executive producer of "Pose", Steven Canals, also sent a positive message.

"I recently met John Singleton, who has been a distant inspiration for decades, sending prayers and healing waves for a speedy recovery, keep it in your thoughts."

Actress Nia Long said, "Praying loudly this morning for my friend @johnsingleton SHOT BABY"

More: Chrissy Metz, the star of "This Is Us", describes her mother's stroke: "The doctor said his prognosis was bleak"

More: Was Luke Perry too young to have a fatal blow? Not really

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