John Bailey, First Cinematographer to Serve as Academy President, Dead at 81
John Bailey
Cinematographer and former Academy President John Bailey has died at 81.
On Saturday, Nov. 11, Bailey's wife, Carol Littleton, said Bailey died "peacefully in his sleep" on Friday, in a statement released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, per AP News. His cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Bailey was known for his work on films like Ordinary People, Groundhog Day and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Additionally, he was the first cinematographer to serve as Academy president, holding two terms from 2017 to 2019.
"It is with deep sadness I share with you that my best friend and husband, John Bailey, passed away peacefully in his sleep early [Friday] morning," Littleton said in the statement. "During John's illness, we reminisced how we met 60 years ago and were married for 51 of those years. We shared a wonderful life of adventure in film and made many long-lasting friendships along the way. John will forever live in my heart."
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang honored Bailey for his years of service to the Academy.
"All of us at the Academy are deeply saddened to learn of John's passing," they said, per Entertainment Tonight. "John was a passionately engaged member of the Academy and the film community. He served as our President and as an Academy governor for many years and played a leadership role on the Cinematographers Branch. His impact and contributions to the film community will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and support are with Carol at this time."
