Michelle Obama has paid tribute to Oscar-winning filmmaker, Julia Reichert, who died at the age of 76.
The former First Lady took to social media to share news that Julia had lost her battle with cancer and passed away on 1 December her home in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
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Michelle and her husband, Barack Obama, posted a message on the page of their Higher Ground Media production company.
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Alongside a photo of Julia, they wrote: "Last night we lost a true giant. A trailblazing filmmaker, Julia Reichert dedicated her life to documenting socially and historically significant stories that gave voice to so many, particularly the working class and women.
"Collaborating with her on the Oscar-winning documentary American Factory was an honor and privilege that we will always cherish at Higher Ground.
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"We know that Julia’s talent, humanity and commitment to mission-centric storytelling will continue to inspire current and future creators worldwide, including all of us."
Michelle and Barack worked with Julia
Fans rushed to share their sadness and commented: "So sorry. what a giant talent. deepest sympathies to her friends and family and colleagues," and, "She was amazing". There were strings of heart emojis and praying hands as they paid tribute to the star.
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Steven Bognar, her husband and collaborator, confirmed the death and said his wife had been receiving treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a form of urinary cancer for years.
Julia lost her battle to cancer
Julia's success was a surprise to her as she admitted her career was unexpected: "I had no idea I would be, quote unquote, a filmmaker," she said in an interview with Yellow Springs radio station WYSO. "I just knew I loved photography. I loved getting better at it. I loved learning about taking pictures. And I really loved the radio."
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