Director Gary Winick Dies at 49

9:25 AM PST 2/28/2011 by Lindsay Powers

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The noted independent filmmaker, who is also behind "13 Going on 30" and "Letters to Juliet," had been suffering from brain cancer, his manager tells THR.

Gary Winick, who rose to fame directing mainstream films like Letters to Juliet and 13 Going on 30, but is more well-known for his independent films, died on Sunday, his manager at Anonymous Content, Rosalie Swedlin, tells The Hollywood Reporter. He was 49.

In 1999, Winick founded InDigEnt, which went on to produce nineteen independent films over the next 10 years, including Winick's Tadpole, which he sold to Miramax for $6 million at the 2002 Sundance film Festival.

Winick was suffering from brain cancer for quite some time, and it metastasized throughout his body. After his first surgery, he went on to direct Letters to Juliet.

PHOTOS: Those we lost too soon

Cinetic Media's Matt Dentler first announced the news on Twitter Sunday: "Gary Winick died today. Too late to make the Oscars tribute, but way too early. He leaves behind a legacy of supporting indie film and NYC."

A memorial service is still being planned, and people will be asked to donate to charity. The funeral will be private.

"He was very special to me," Swedlin tells THR. "He was a dear friend as well as a longtime client. Gary was an incredibly important figure in the indie movement. He will be missed."