- Born
- Died
- Birth nameGordon Alexander Parks
- The pre-eminent American photojournalist of sub-Saharan descent. An acclaimed photographer for Life magazine from the late 40s through late 60s, he turned to directing films, his second of which, the blaxploitation movie Shaft (1971), achieved success at the box office. In 1989 his first film effort, The Learning Tree (1969), was selected among the first 25 films so honored, by the U.S. Library of Congress to be preserved in the National Film Registry for all time.
- IMDb mini biography by: Bill Takacs <kinephile@aol.com>
- SpousesGenevieve Young(August 1973 - 1979) (divorced)Elizabeth Campbell(1962 - 1973) (divorced, 1 child)Sally Alvis(1933 - 1961) (divorced, 3 children)
- Children
- ParentsAndrew Jackson ParksSarah Ross
- RelativesAlain(Grandchild)Sarah(Grandchild)Satch(Grandchild)Gordon III(Grandchild)Campbell(Grandchild)Robin Hickman(Niece or Nephew)
- First African-American to write, produce and direct a film for a major studio (Warner Brothers): The Learning Tree (1969), which was based on his semi-autobiographical novel of the same name.
- Co-founder of Essence Magazine
- His life story was told in a TV documentary co-produced by Denzel Washington: Half Past Autumn: The Life and Works of Gordon Parks (2000).
- He was the youngest of 15 children. He dropped out of high school after his mother died. His jobs included playing piano in a brothel before he became interested in photography while working as a train porter.
- Once was a piano player in a Minnesota bordello.
- [1976 interview in "The Village Voice"] I don't make black exploitation films.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
