Winsome Sinclair, the esteemed casting director and longtime collaborator of filmmaker Spike Lee, passed away at age 58 following a courageous battle with colon cancer, her publicist Clorissa Wright-Thomas confirmed.
Sinclair, originally from Jamaica, moved to Long Island as a child before pursuing higher education at Florida A&M University.
Her entry into the world of casting began as an intern on Spike Lee’s 1990 classic Mo’ Better Blues, where she quickly showcased her eye for talent and became a trusted ally on many of Lee’s projects.
Over her illustrious career, Sinclair worked with Lee on 12 films, including iconic titles like Malcolm X, Crooklyn, and He Got Game.
In 1996, Sinclair launched her own agency, Winsome Sinclair and Associates, and two years later, she gained widespread recognition as the casting director for Hype Williams’ cult-favorite crime drama Belly, featuring hip-hop legends Nas and DMX.
Her expertise extended beyond Lee’s films as she worked on notable projects with directors like John Singleton (Higher Learning, 2 Fast 2 Furious) and Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man, Barbershop: The Next Cut), as well as blockbusters such as Steven Spielberg’s Amistad and Lee Daniels’ Precious.
Sinclair’s family expressed their grief in a heartfelt statement:
“Winsome’s life was a testament to radical faith, and she lived each day with a heart full of love and gratitude. Beyond her professional achievements, she was a devoted mother to her two children, Micah and Kairo, whom she loved with all her heart. As we grieve this unimaginable loss, we find solace in the respected body of work and legacy she leaves behind. We love her and will miss her dearly.”
Sinclair’s contributions to the film industry and her dedication to nurturing Black talent in Hollywood have left an indelible mark on cinema.
