WWII Hero, Angelina Jolie Film Subject, Louis Zamperini Dies at 97

By Debbie Emery

WWII Hero and Unbroken inspiration Louis Zamperini has died at age 97, according to a spokesperson for Universal Pictures.

A statement released by the studio on Thursday morning included a message from his family, which read:

"Having overcome insurmountable odds at every turn in his life, Olympic runner and World War II hero Louis Zamperini has never broken down from a challenge.

"He recently faced the greatest challenge of his life with a life-threatening case of pneumonia. After a 40-day long battle for his life, he peacefully passed away in the presence of his entire family, leaving behind a legacy that has touched so many lives. His indomitable courage and fighting spirit were never more apparent than in these last days."

Angelina Jolie, who directed the 2014 film about his life based on the best-selling book Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, immediately expressed her loss. “It is a loss impossible to describe. We are all so grateful for how enriched our lives are for having known him. We will miss him terribly,” she said in a statement.

Universal Pictures, which will release the film adaptation of Zamperini’s incredible story on December 25, 2014, went on to say in a statement:

"We are so profoundly sad at this moment and all of our thoughts and prayers are with the Zamperini family.  Louis was truly one of a kind. He lived the most remarkable life, not because of the many unbelievable incidents that marked his near century’s worth of years, but because of the spirit with which he faced every one of them.

Confronting challenges that would cause most of us to surrender, Louie always persevered and always prevailed, and he spent the better part of his lifetime sharing the message that you could do the same. His example of grace, dignity and resilience inspired all of us lucky enough to know him and the millions who got to know him from the pages of Laura’s book.  We move forward to the release of Unbroken with a renewed sense of responsibility in bringing Louie’s abundant life and indomitable spirit to the screen.  Now more than ever, we join Angelina in honoring the lessons and legacy of this extraordinary man who has meant so much to so many.”