Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' Actor, Dies at 61 Following Brain Aneurysm

Actor Tom Sizemore, best remembered for his performance in 1998's "Saving Private Ryan," died Friday, less than two weeks after suffering a brain aneurysm, TMZ reports. He was 61.

Sizemore's rep Charles Lago told "Extra" in a statement, "It is with great sadness and sorrow I have to announce that actor Thomas Edward Sizemore ('Tom Sizemore') aged 61 passed away peacefully in his sleep... today at St Joseph’s Hospital Burbank. His brother Paul and twin boys Jayden and Jagger (17) were at his side."

Sizemore fell ill just a day before he was scheduled to teach an acting class at Harvelle's Nightclub in Los Angeles. He had been hospitalized a "in critical condition, in a coma, and in intensive care" since the health event, which his rep characterized as a stroke-induced aneurysm.

The actor never regained consciousness.

As Lago announced February 27, his family had been informed there was "no further hope" earlier this week.

His family thanked well-wishers "for the hundreds of messages of support, and prayers that have been received."

Sizemore was born November 29, 1961, in Detroit. His career began with a 1989 episode of the TV series "Gideon Oliver" and a six-episode arc on "China Beach" (1989-1990).

Early film appearances include the Sylvester Stallone film "Lock Up" (1989), "Rude Awakening" (1989), and Tom Cruise's "Born on the Fourth of July" (1989).

More prominent parts followed in such films as "True Romance" (1993), "Wyatt Earp" (1994), "Natural Born Killers" (1994), "Devil in a Blue Dress" (1995), "Heat" (1995), and "The Relic" (1997), the latter of which represented his first starring role.

In 1998, he played Sgt. Horvath in Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan," a box-office smash and one of the most acclaimed films of the 1990s.

Thereafter, his work never slowed — he had well over 200 credits at the time of his death.

Sizemore had the distinction of having been nominated for Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globe, and Golden Satellite Awards.

Substance abuse plagued him most of his life, starting when he was 15. In 2003, he was convicted of domestic violence against girlfriend Heidi Fleiss, the so-called "Hollywood Madam," and spent months in jail followed by months in rehab. He later appeared with her on Season 3 of "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" (2010).

He pleased no contest to domestic abuse charges in 2017 for assaulting his girlfriend, and was arrested in 2019 for misdemeanor drug possession.

In 2003, Sizemore was removed from the set of the film "Born Killers" when it was alleged he had sexually molested a child actor. The case was dropped and he continued filming, but the actor — now grown — sued him in 2018. The case was dismissed by a Utah judge in 2020, and Sizemore vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

One of Sizemore's survivors is his brother, who told "Extra," "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my big brother Tom. He was larger than life. He has 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.”

Sizemore was married to actress Maeve Quinlan from 1996-1999. In a statement, she told "Extra," “My heartfelt condolences to the entire Sizemore family and Tom’s longtime manager, Charles Lago. Most especially, my thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s two sons, Jayden and Jagger. May God hold you both in the palm of his hand, give you strength, and bless you all the days of your lives."

Jayden and Jagger, his two children with partner Janelle McIntire, also survive him.