Sad News: 'Ricki & The Flash' Director Jonathan Demme Has Cancer
![Jonathan Demme Cancer](https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/eKsW2Z7kU/480x251/2015/08/jonathan-demme-cancer-pp.jpg?position=top 480w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/eKsW2Z7kU/640x335/2015/08/jonathan-demme-cancer-pp.jpg?position=top 640w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/eKsW2Z7kU/768x402/2015/08/jonathan-demme-cancer-pp.jpg?position=top 768w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/eKsW2Z7kU/1024x536/2015/08/jonathan-demme-cancer-pp.jpg?position=top 1024w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/eKsW2Z7kU/1280x670/2015/08/jonathan-demme-cancer-pp.jpg?position=top 1280w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/eKsW2Z7kU/1440x753/2015/08/jonathan-demme-cancer-pp.jpg?position=top 1440w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/eKsW2Z7kU/1600x837/2015/08/jonathan-demme-cancer-pp.jpg?position=top 1600w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/eKsW2Z7kU/2160x1130/2015/08/jonathan-demme-cancer-pp.jpg?position=top 2160w)
Aug. 6 2015, Published 4:17 p.m. ET
It should have been one of the happiest times in director Jonathan Demme's life. But the beloved moviemaker as noticeably absent at the NYC premiere of his new film Ricki and The Flash on August 3 and RadarOnline.com can reveal the sad reason why: He is secretly battling cancer.
According to multiple insiders, Demme has been quietly sharing the shocking diagnosis with friends in recent weeks.
So far, sources say, the disease is only in its early stages.
- Snoop Dogg on Why He and Dr. Dre Will Never Be Canceled: ‘You Can’t Cancel The Culture — It’s Just Motherf------ You Don’t Know Sayin’ You Ain’t Hot No More’
- Laura Dern Packed Off to Movie Set by Famous Mom Aged 16 – With Suitcase Packed With Condoms: ‘You Gotta Be Protected!’
- 'A Standoff at the Moment': Kate Middleton and Prince William Fighting to Take Over Prince Andrew's Royal Lodge
The director was a noticeable no-show on Monday night when Meryl Streep and daughter Mamie Gummer walked the red carpet at the Manhattan premiere of Ricki and the Flash.
Demme, 71, is also known for directing Philadelphia and The Silence of the Lambs, for which he won an Oscar.
His rep did not respond to repeated requests for comment.