Denzel Washington (L) and director Tony Scott attend Regency Enterprises and Twentieth Century Fox's 'Man on Fire' Premiere at Mann National Theatre April 18, 2004 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Giulio Marcocchi/Getty Images)

The suicide of celebrated Hollywood film director Tony Scott has shocked movie fans and industry insiders.

Academy Award winner Denzel Washington was one Scott’s most frequent collaborators, having starred in five films directed by the late auteur.

theGrio slideshow: Tony Scott’s biggest hits with black stars

Washington recently made a statement in reaction to Scott’s death.

“Tony Scott was a great director, a genuine friend and it is unfathomable to think that he is now gone.  He had a tremendous passion for life and for the art of filmmaking and was able to share this passion with all of us through his cinematic brilliance.  My family sends their prayers and deepest condolences to the entire Scott family,” said Washington.

Washington’s remarks are just part of a growing chorus of Hollywood stars who have weighed in on the unexpected passing of the iconic movie director.