Photographer Terry O'Neill dies aged 81

I couldn’t let the passing of Photographer Terry O'Neill slip by without a mention on these pages. 

Mr O'Neill, who rose to fame capturing the explosion of London's youth culture in the 1960s, died at home following a long battle with prostate cancer.  He photographed celebrities including Judy Garland, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra and of course Clint.

Clint was captured by O'Neill whilst on location during the making of Joe Kidd, a famous shoot which resulted in a fabulous collection of Clint with his buddy Paul Newman. Mr O'Neill also photographed members of the British royal family, and prominent politicians - including Sir Winston Churchill.

His photographs of Elton John are among his most well-known. Other famous images include Faye Dunaway reclining by the pool with her Oscar - with whom he was married. One of his last major public appearances was when he collected his CBE for services to photography from the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace in October.

After receiving his honour Mr O'Neill, who had been suffering from prostate cancer and was in a wheelchair, said the award 'surpasses anything I've had happen to me in my life'. Actress and singer Barbra Streisand tweeted: 'Terry O'Neill - You took such wonderful pictures. May you RIP'

The British photographer was born on 30 July 1938 in Heston, West London, and originally aspired to be a jazz drummer due to his love of music. Instead he managed to get a job in photography and took a shot that would change his life. He said: 'Part of my work was to take photographs of people arriving and departing at the terminals. I happened upon a very well-dressed bowler-hatted man, taking a quick nap in the departures area, and he was surrounded by African chieftains, fully clad in their regalia. 'Soon after, I was approached by an editor who told me that they wanted to show the photo to his paper. 'The man napping turned out to be then Home Secretary Rab Butler.

'The paper ran my photo and I was off and running. I was offered a job at the Daily Sketch where I worked for several years before going out on my own.'

He was previously married to actor Faye Dunaway for three years. Mr O'Neill is survived by his three children and wife Laraine Ashton.

A spokesman for Iconic Images, which represents his impressive archive of photographic work, said: 'It is with a heavy heart that Iconic Images announces the passing of Terence 'Terry' O'Neill, CBE. 'Terry was a class act, quick witted and filled with charm. 'Anyone who was lucky enough to know or work with him can attest to his generosity and modesty. 'As one of the most iconic photographers of the last 60 years, his legendary pictures will forever remain imprinted in our memories as well as in our hearts and minds.'

Rip Sir.

Below: Here's a wonderful and recently discovered shot (17/9/2022) of Clint with director John Sturges. Photograph taken by Terry O’Neill during the Old Tucson sessions. My thanks to Steve Saragossi.