Richard M. Rawlings Jr., a four-time Emmy-nominated cinematographer, has passed away at the age of 82. He died on June 30 in Flagstaff, Arizona, according to his family’s announcement.
Background
Richard M. Rawlings Jr. was born on October 9, 1943, in Hollywood, California. He was the son of Richard L. Rawlings, a two-time Emmy-nominated cinematographer. Growing up in a family of cinematographers, Richard Jr. was raised in North Hollywood and spent his summers at Culver Academies in Culver, Indiana. He graduated from Ulysses S. Grant High School in 1961 and began working at Warner Bros. as a messenger a year later.
As an assistant camera operator, Rawlings Jr. worked on shows such as Gilligan’s Island and The Doris Day Show, where he learned the art of lighting and composition from his father. He continued to work as an operator on various shows, including The Blue Knight, The Waltons, and Eight Is Enough. Rawlings Jr.’s career took off when he made his cinematographer debut on the seventh episode of Charlie’s Angels in 1978, at the age of 35.
Career Highlights
Rawlings Jr.’s career spanned over four decades, with notable work on shows such as Matt Houston, L.A. Law, Boston Public, and Desperate Housewives. He received four Emmy nominations for his work on Ohara, Paradise, Reasonable Doubts, and Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story. In 2014, he received the Television Career Achievement Award from the American Society of Cinematographers, with Charlie’s Angels star Cheryl Ladd in attendance.
Rawlings Jr.’s work on Charlie’s Angels was particularly notable, as he and his father shot 87 of the series’ 109 installments together. His father left the show after the third season, and Rawlings Jr. continued to work on the series for its final two seasons. The experience was invaluable for Rawlings Jr., who credited his father with passing on his knowledge of lighting and composition.
Legacy
Rawlings Jr.’s legacy extends beyond his work on television shows. He was a pioneer in the field of cinematography, paving the way for future generations of camera operators and directors. His dedication to his craft and his ability to work with his father on such a large scale are testaments to his skill and perseverance.
Rawlings Jr. is survived by his daughter, Kami; his son, Matt; his grandsons, Chase and Wyatt; and his sisters, Carole and Colleen. His wife, Diane, whom he married in 1967, passed away in 2003. The cinematography community will miss Rawlings Jr.’s contributions, but his work will continue to inspire and influence future generations of filmmakers.
As the industry continues to evolve, Rawlings Jr.’s legacy will serve as a reminder of the importance of innovation, dedication, and perseverance. His passing marks the end of an era, but his work will live on, a testament to the power of creativity and hard work.
Source: Hollywood Reporter