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Star Wars Cinematographer Gilbert Taylor Dies at 99: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

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One of the most famous names in cinematography, Gilbert Taylor, has died at age 99, reports Variety. Taylor will be forever associated with his work on the original Star Wars movies. He died at his home in the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom on August 23. The BBC reports that Taylor died with his family at his side.

Here’s what you need to know about this icon…

1. Taylor Was a Part of The Beatles Legend

Gilbert Taylor Dead Dies Died RIP R.I.P. Star Wars cinematographer Dead.

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Taylor first made his name filming The Beatles’ first movie A Hard Day’s Night in 1963. The film was a new departure for pop-acts, putting the band’s music on the screen. A pre-cursor to the MTV-generation.

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2. He Helped to Usher in the Era of the Blockbuster

Gilbert Taylor Dead Dies Died RIP R.I.P. Star Wars cinematographer Dead.

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During the 1970s Taylor became one of the most sought after cinematographers in the business. His work in Star Wars is much lauded, but he also filmed a version of MacBeth for Roman Polanksi and the horror blockbuster The Omen.

3. He’s Been Retired For Nearly 20 Years

His last work was on the low-profile British movie Don’t Get Me Started in 1994. Though he continued to do some work on commercials.

4. Taylor Filmed the Damage Done by British Bombers During WWII

Gilbert Taylor Dead Dies Died RIP R.I.P. Star Wars cinematographer Dead.

(Getty)

After joining the film industry as a cameraman’s assistant in 1929, at just 15, he volunteered for the Royal Air Force at the start of World War II. He spent time filming cities after bombing raids to document the damage.

5. He Met His Wife On Set

Taylor is survived by his wife Dee who is 23 years younger than him. She was working as a script supervisor on the movie The Punch and Judy Man in 1963 when they mey. The couple were married four years later.

Taylor was born in 1914 in Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire.

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