LEGENDARY cinematographer Bill Butler has died at the age of 101, it was announced today.
The movie icon, whose work includes Jaws, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Grease, is said to have died on Wednesday.
Bill Butler, the iconic cinematographer, died at age 101 on ThursdayArun Nevader/WireImage
He was known for his work on films including Jaws, Grease, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s NestFairchild Archive/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images
He was just a few days shy of his 102nd birthday, according to the American Society of Cinematographers.
His cause of death was not, however, immediately available.
Issuing a touching tribute on Thursday, Jaws director Steven Spielberg, said: “Bill Butler was the bedrock on that rickety, rocking boat called the Orca.
“He was the only calm in the middle of that storm, and as we went into a battle against nature and technology that wore both of us down, the audience eventually won the war…”
The director added: “Bill’s outlook on life was pragmatic, philosophical and so very patient, and I owe him so much for his steadfast and creative contributions to the entire look of ‘Jaws.’”
Butler won Emmy awards for his work on Raid on Entebbe and a television version of A Streetcar Named Desire.
Some of the most iconic movies he shot include the Conversation, and later entries in the Rocky franchise, Variety reported.
His work behind the screen on One Flew Over the Coocoo’s Nest was also nominated for an Oscar.
Butler was born in Colorado in 1921 and began his career as an engineer at a local radio station, NPR reported.
He moved to Hollywood in 1962 and worked in the film and TV industries until 2016.
The big screen icon is survived by his widow Iris and his five daughters.
Tributes to the late cinematographer poured in on Twitter on Thursday.
“He was a genius behind the lens,” said screenwriter Tom Holland.
“Couldn’t have made Child’s Play without him. RIP my friend.”
Another Twitter poster commended Butler’s ability to work under pressure.
“Bill Butler was a legend,” they said.
“He shot my all-time favorite movie and did it under extremely stressful circumstances, braving the elements with a young, green director. His work on Jaws is still being referenced today. Rest in Peace.”
GettyButler won Emmy awards for his work on Raid on Entebbe and a television version of A Streetcar Named Desire[/caption]
GettyJaws director Steven Spielberg also released a tribute to Butler in the wake of his death[/caption]
GettyThe thriller film about a killer shark may be Butler’s most iconic work[/caption]
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