Biography

John A. Alonzo was born on June 12, 1934 in Dallas, Texas, USA. He was a cinematographer and actor, known for Chinatown (1974), The Magnificent Seven (1960) and Star Trek: Generations (1994). He was married to Suzanne L. Heltzel and Jan Murray. He died on March 13, 2001 in Beverly Hills, California, USA.

Frequently worked with Martin Ritt.

Spent his early years between Guadalajara, Mexico, and Los Angeles. Settled in L.A. in 1956. Worked variously as a bit part actor, before becoming a cinematographer in television. Initially with Wolper Productions, working on documentaries. First film work as assistant to Winton C. Hoch, Gene Polito and James Wong Howe (as co-photographer on Seconds (1966).

Member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).

He contributed with three films that were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Sounder (1972), Chinatown (1974) and Norma Rae (1979).

John A. Alonzo passed away on March 13, 2001, three months away from what would have been his 67th birthday on June 12.

Three daughters by his first marriage to Suzanne Heltzel: Gorgiana (b. 1955), Angela (b. 1957), and Cristi (b. 1959).