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Tom Sizemore channels The Hustler’s Bert Gordon in final acting class a week before fatal brain aneurysm

Hospitalized since Feb 18, actor Tom Sizemore passed away after suffering a brain aneurysm caused by a stroke

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA: Tom Sizemore's last performance on stage before his tragic death from a brain aneurysm has been captured in a powerful video clip. In the clip exclusively obtained by Daily Mail, Sizemore is seen delivering a scene from the 1961 classic film, 'The Hustler', in which he portrays Bert Gordon, a character originally played by George C Scott. He is joined on stage by Cevin Clark, fellow actor and owner of Harvelle's nightclub, who takes on the role of Eddie Felson, famously portrayed by Paul Newman.

The 61-year-old actor had been teaching acting classes at Harvelle's Nightclub in Santa Monica every Saturday afternoon for over a year. This was a joint project with his friend, screenwriter and actor Trevor Simms. Sizemore was scheduled to return to the venue on February 18 but tragically suffered a ruptured aneurysm at approximately 2 am in his apartment. He remained in a coma until his family made the difficult decision to remove him from life support on Friday. The video, shot by screenwriter Ryan Munevar and obtained by Daily Mail, shows Sizemore as Bert Gordon in a scene from 1961's 'The Hustler'.

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Tom Sizemore's career

Sizemore is widely recognized as one of the most iconic character actors of the 1990s. Some of his most celebrated film roles include appearances in 'Black Hawk Down', 'Company of Heroes', 'The Relic', and 'Natural Born Killers'. His career began in 1989 with roles in Oliver Stone's 'Born on the Fourth of July'. However, it was his work in the 1990s that truly launched him to fame, with memorable roles in 'Saving Private Ryan', 'Pearl Harbor', 'Heat', and 'True Romance'.

Despite his remarkable run in the ’90s, Sizemore continued to be a reliable presence in the film industry in the new millennium. Additionally, Sizemore made a lasting impression in the video game world, lending his voice to the character of mob boss Sonny Forelli in 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.' On television, he made notable appearances on popular shows like 'It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,' 'Hawaii Five-0,' and the 2017 revival of 'Twin Peaks' on Showtime. Sizemore was also set to star in the upcoming indie science fiction film, Impuratus before his recent death.

Film industry reacts to Sizemore's death

After the announcement of Sizemore's death, many of his friends took to social media to pay their respects and remember his talent. Maeve Quinlan, Sizemore's ex-wife, offered her condolences to his family and long-time manager, with a special message to their two sons. "My heartfelt condolences to the entire Sizemore family and Tom’s long-time 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", she wrote on Twitter.

Actor Wendell Pierce reminisced about their first film together, while film director Michael Matteo Rossi praised Sizemore's acting ability. Sonny Mahal, a film producer, remembered Sizemore as a great actor and friend. The Asylum's official Twitter account expressed sadness at the loss of their "dear friend and longtime collaborator." Their CEO David Michael Latt wrote that Sizemore "saved" The Asylum "universe countless times from aliens to giant sharks. He was always cast as the hero because he was always a hero to us." The official Twitter account added, "We are so saddened to hear of the loss of our dear friend and longtime collaborator, Tom Sizemore." Podcast host Richard Roeper tweeted, “You know for me, the action is the juice. Wishing Tom Sizemore the peace and rest that was so elusive for him on this Earth", while writer/director Michael Matteo Rossi wrote, "You were an incredible actor RIP Tom Sizemore".

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