Tom Sizemore has died: aneurysm kills 61-year-old actor of 'Saving Private Ryan'

American actor Tom Sizemore, known from 'Saving Private Ryan' and other productions, "passed away peacefully in his sleep," CNN reported. The actor was 61 years old.

CNN cites his agent, Charles Lago, who voiced the sentiments of his family at Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my big brother Tom," Lago said. "He was larger than life."

His agent said that Sizemore "influenced my life more than anyone I know. He was talented, loving, giving and could keep you entertained endlessly with his wit and storytelling ability. I am devastated he is gone and will miss him always."

The actor passed away a little more than two weeks after his hospitalization on February 18. The 61-year-old had suffered a brain aneurysm at his home in Los Angeles, leaving him in critical condition.

A brain aneurysm is basically a ballooning of a blood vessel in the brain. The consequences can be lethal.

As time passed in critical hospital care, his condition did not improve. There was nothing left for the actor's family to do than "deciding end of life matters," as confirmed by Charles Lago, Tom Sizemore's representative, to 'Variety'.

"Doctors informed his family that there is no further hope and recommended an end-of-life decision," Charles Lago earlier notified the press. "The family is now deciding."

At that point, Charles Lago asked for privacy for the family while thanking "everyone for the hundreds of messages of support, and prayers that have been received. This has been a difficult time for them."

The brain aneurysm puts an end to the life of an actor who saw successes and setbacks. Tom Sizemore will be remembered for some great roles but also for a lifestyle of excesses and controversy, especially in recent years.

In 'Shooting Sizemore', a documentary series about his life broadcast in 2007, the actor discussed his efforts to fight several addictions.

In fact, he had tried to get clean several times and been in and out of rehabilitation clinics.

The actor even participated in the reality show 'Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew' in 2010.

He was also arrested on several occasions for driving under the influence of alcohol and for possession of illegal substances.

Added to these addictions were his multiple problems with the law. The most serious case occurred when he was arrested and convicted in 2003 for domestic violence against his fiancée, Heidi Fleiss.

The glory days of Hollywood had been over for Tom Sizemore. He is best known as Sergeant Horvath in the acclaimed World War II film 'Saving Private Ryan' (1998).

In the photo, we see him together with Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Edward Burns during the presentation of 'Saving Private Ryan.'

Before that, he had already appeared in the classic crime film 'Heat' (1995), alongside Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.

After 'Saving Private Ryan,' he played in another acclaimed war film about a more recent American intervention: 'Black Hawk Down' (2001).

Among his accolades was his nomination for a Golden Globe for Best Actor in 2001. He got this nomination for his role in the TV movie 'Witness Protection' (2000).

Despite his problems with the law, the actor never stopped working. After 2000, he had years in which he participated in more than a dozen series and films. In the photo, we see him together with Tom Ellis and Lauren German, on the set of 'Lucifer' (2016-2021).

His filmography, starting with 'Locked up' in 1989, shows a balance of more than 250 appearances as an actor. In recent years, his appearances were limited to minor productions or small roles in renowned series such as 'Cobra Kai', 'Shooter', or 'Twin Peaks.' We will still have these appearances to remember Tom Sizemore by.