For Bruce Springsteen, award-winning director Jonathan Demme was an inspiration, beautiful filmmaker and great spirit.
The New Jersey rocker paid tribute to Demme, director of "Philadelphia," after he died of complications from esophageal cancer Wednesday morning. He was 73.
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Springsteen won an Oscar for his hit, "Streets of Philadelphia," written for Demme's film starring Tom Hanks. "Philadelphia," released in 1993, was one of the first mainstream movies to touch on the AIDS crisis.
"Over here on E Street, we're deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jonathan Demme," Springsteen said 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."
"Streets of Philadelphia" also won a Golden Globe Award and four Grammy Awards. Tom Hanks was awarded the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Andrew Beckett.
"Philadelphia" was also nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Original Screenplay.
Demme was also known for his 1984 concert film "Stop Making Sense" featuring the Talking Heads as well as his Academy Award-winning "Silence of the Lambs."