This undated image published by United talent Agency shows screenwriter / director Audrey Wells. Wells, who wrote and directed the 2003 romantic comedy "Under the Tuscan Sun," died after five years of fighting cancer. A United Talent Agency representative testified that Wells passed away on Thursday, October 4, 2018. She was 58 years old. (United Talent Agency via AP)(Photo: AP)

Audrey Wells, who wrote and directed the 2003 romantic comedy "Under the Tuscan Sun", as well as the screenplay for the new movie "The Hate U Give", died after five years of fighting cancer. She was 58 years old.

A representative of United Talent Agency said that Wells died on Thursday.

Originally from San Francisco, he started as a disc jockey at a local jazz station and public radio before moving on to the film, armed with a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of California at Los Angeles.

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She wrote film scripts such as "The Truth About Cats and Dogs", a modern tale of Cyrano de Bergerac with Uma Thurman, and "Shall We Dance" with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere. She debuted as a director with the 1999 Independent Independence "Guinevere", starring Sarah Polley in her youth and her relationship with an older mentor.

Wells also wrote the screenplay for the critically acclaimed new movie "The Hate U Give," an adaptation of Angie Thomas' novel for young adults about the murder of a young black man by the police. The film starring Amandla Stenberg is currently in a limited version before being released nationwide on October 19th.

UTA Co-Chair David Kramer said in a statement that Wells was "really special".

"The strong, independent female characters that she has formed are resonating today more than ever and will always be part of her legacy," Kramer said. "Her incredible, her wit, her creativity and the love that she gave us will be missed."

Wells is survived by her husband Brian Larky and daughter Tatiana. Larky said in a statement that Wells "has beaten valiantly against his illness" and died "surrounded by love".

The family has asked that, instead of flowers, donations be made to Wells' favorite non-profit organizations, the Feminist Majority Foundation, the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood.

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