Award-Winning Hollywood Legend Behind ‘X-Files’ & ‘Lost’ Passes Away at 78: Tributes Pour In

Cinematographer John Bartley, best known for his work on “The X-Files” and “Lost,” has died at the age of 78. The Emmy Award winner’s passing was shared by his longtime friend Polly Pierce on Instagram.

“It’s with such a heavy heart to write that my long-time mentor and dear friend, the cinematographer John S Bartley ASC CSC, has passed on,” Pierce wrote.

“If it wasn’t for John and his landmark work on @thexfilestv I wouldn’t be in film or Vancouver. And I’ll forever be grateful to him for the opportunity of shadowing him on Lost in Hawai’i sealing my fate to be a perpetual filmo!”

Friends Remember His Humor & Generosity

Pierce also recalled one of her favorite memories with Bartley, when the two went to see “Watchmen” in theaters.

“We got there late so had the worst, neck craning seats up front,” she wrote. “And he leaned over to tell me ‘These are horrible seats Polly’ and it dawned on me I did the inconceivable: I took an Emmy award winning DP to a film and would make him watch it from the worst seats in the house! So much aloha and Mahalo to the one and only, JSB.”

Tributes also poured in from fans and colleagues.

One person commented, “I worked with him for seasons on Lost. And we ALL loved him. & professional.”

Another added, “We’ve lost another good one.. but what a generous gesture to connect with a young lass from the other side of the world.”

Career Highlights: ‘The X-Files,’ ‘Lost’ & More

Bartley made his mark in television with his work as cinematographer on the first three seasons of “The X-Files,” earning critical acclaim for his atmospheric visuals. He went on to serve as director of photography on “Lost,” bringing the island drama’s sweeping landscapes and tension-filled moments to life.

In addition to television, Bartley contributed to several Hollywood films, including “First Blood” and “The Chronicles of Riddick.”

Awards & Lasting Legacy

Throughout his career, Bartley earned three American Society of Cinematographers Award nominations and four Primetime Emmy nominations. He won his Emmy in 1996 for “The X-Files.”

He was also recognized for his work on “Lost” and “Bates Motel,” further cementing his reputation as one of television’s most influential cinematographers.

Though Bartley’s life has come to a close, his contributions to television and film will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and fans alike.

The post Award-Winning Hollywood Legend Behind ‘X-Files’ & ‘Lost’ Passes Away at 78: Tributes Pour In appeared first on EntertainmentNow.