- Born
- Died
- Nickname
- Russ Harlan
- Born Russell September 16, 1903 in Los Angeles, California to Frank and Bertha Harlan, who hailed from Iowa and Missouri. Russell was raised in Los Angeles along with his younger brother Richard (b. 1911). His paternal grandmother Sarah J. Harlan also lived with the family.
Harlan started in the film industry as an actor and stuntman, and by the early 1930s was working behind the camera as an assistant. His first work as lead cinematographer was in 1937, when he filmed four "Hopalong Cassidy" westerns for Harry Sherman Productions. Harlan had a career as a cinematographer that spanned some thirty-three years from 1937 to 1970. He was nominated six times for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, including two in 1962 for his work on Hatari! and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Russell was married to Willette Marion Gregg (1914-1963). They had three children together.
Russell Harlan died February 28, 1974 in Newport Beach, California and was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Glendale, California.
- IMDb mini biography by: Douglas Pruiett
- SpouseWillette Marion Gregg(? - 1963) (3 children)
- Majestic Natural Backdrops
- Known for his choice of majestic backdrops of snow-capped mountains, meandering streams and rivers, cliff dwellings, and expansive skies. He turned "B westerns" like the many feature-length "Hopalong Cassidy" movies, into cinematic masterpieces.
- Married Willette Marion Gregg and they had three daughters.
- He was a favorite cameraman of Howard Hawks, who employed him on seven films in a 16-year period and always praised his personal qualities as well as his professional skill.
- Member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).
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