- Born
- Died
- Birth nameLeonard James Sasserath
- After returning from the Navy in WWII, Leonard (Lenny) South was offered a job in the Warner Bros camera department where he trained to become an assistant cameraman. After learning his craft, he was offered a camera assistant position with Robert (Bobby) Burks, ASC.
During his stint as a camera assistant with Mr. Burks, the two worked with Alfred Hitchcock who took a liking to Lenny. Lenny had a natural talent and personality that Hitchcock appreciated. On Hitchcock's next picture, Robert Burks brought Lenny on as the camera operator and from then on the pact was made. Lenny worked on 14 movies with Alfred Hitchcock until Hitchcock's death in 1980.
After Lenny became a Director of Photography, he photographed a number of movies as well as television shows with other directors.
Yet, he and Alfred Hitchcock continued their lifelong relationship and in 1976 he photographed 'Family Plot' with Hitchcock and was nominated that year for an Academy Award.
Together they had a lifelong friendship and understanding of the principles of filmmaking.
Leonard South died on January 6, 2006
- IMDb mini biography by: Michael Hofstein, Director of Photography
- SpousesBetty (Lynne) Zoe Catlin(March 10, 1956 - ?) (divorced, 1 child)Violet N. Cane(December 26, 1942 - March 4, 1954) (divorced, 2 children)
- Past President, The American Society of Cinematographers,(ASC)(1989-1990). Long time member Board of Governors.
- For many years he served as operating cameraman for director of photography Robert Burks, ASC and many films over the years for director Alfred Hitchcock.
- Father of film editor Leonard South II, Linda South and Anne Marie Gianesin.
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Board of Governors.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
