Producer and Cinematographer James Pergola, who has worked on many iconic movies across his legendary career, has passed away at the age of 93, the Hollywood Reporter reports.
His wife of 63 years, Virginia Pergola, told the outlet that Pergola died of natural causes in hospice care on Feb. 23 in Naples, Florida.
James Pergola’s Legacy
Pergola’s father was a camera operator who worked on major new stories, so this industry was in his DNA. However, the cinematographer also suffered a heartbreaking loss as his father passed away when he wasn’t even five years old, among the 19 people killed in an airplane crash.
“I humbly attempted to follow in my father’s footsteps but I could never fill them,” Pergola wrote in 2009. “He was truly a great man.”
His career began when he got a job with Fox Movietone in New York, serving as an assistant cameraman. From there, he got the opportunity to manage a camera on movies and television shows including “Safe at Home!” (1962), “Birds Do It” (1966), “Flipper,” and “Gentle Ben.”
He officially became a cinematographer on the 1974-75 CBC series “Salty,” and then was featured as the director of photography on “Thunder and Lightning” (1977). He worked on hit movies such as “Caddyshack” (1980), “Major League” (1989), and “Harry & Son” (1984).
In the 90s, Pergola served as a longtime cinematographer for “Baywatch.”
The Hollywood Reporter contributed to this article.
Cinematographer Alicia Robbins Pays Tribute To James Pergola
Following news of Pergola’s passing, cinematographer James Pergola shared a heartfelt tribute.
“IÂ never got to meet James,” she wrote. “But I know that he told our producers of the new Baywatch to wish me the best of luck and that he was very happy for me. And as we were shooting the pilot this week, this legend of a DP, having shot over 286 episodes of the original Baywatch, passed away at 94.
“I feel like I have been handed a torch. I will carry it forward for you, Jimmy. I wish we could have met. Sending love to your friends and family. #baywatchfamily”
Many comments were left on the post, celebrating his legacy.
“His legacy is in great hands with you friend. May he rest wellðï¸,” one person shared.
“Sad news. I worked with him a bunch of times and he was always a fun human to be with,” another person wrote.
“Wow rest in peace â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸,” actress Jessica Belkin commented.
The post Legendary Cinematographer Who Worked On Iconic Films Such As ‘Caddyshack’ & ‘Major League’ Passes Away — He Will Be Missed appeared first on EntertainmentNow.