Victor J. Kemper Obituary

Victor J. Kemper, the seasoned cinematographer renowned for his work on over 50 features, including classics like “Dog Day Afternoon,” “Eyes of Laura Mars,” “The Jerk,” and “Slap Shot,” has passed away at the age of 96.

Kemper, who succumbed to natural causes on Monday in Sherman Oaks, was remembered by his son, Steven Kemper, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Beginning his career with an inaugural director of photography credit on John Cassavetes’ “Husbands” (1970), Kemper went on to film Elia Kazan’s final feature, “The Last Tycoon” (1976), and marked a significant collaboration with Tim Burton on his directorial debut, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985).

Known for his versatility across genres, Kemper exhibited a distinct talent for comedy in films such as “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” (1972), “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983), “Mr. Mom” (1983), “Beethoven” (1992), “Tommy Boy” (1995), and “Jingle All the Way” (1996).

His contributions to the film industry extended beyond the lens, as Kemper served as the president of the American Society of Cinematographers from 1993-96 and 1999-2001. In recognition of his remarkable career, he was honored with the guild’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.

Born on April 14, 1927, in Newark, Kemper graduated from Seton Hall University, where he had a hand in establishing the radio station. His early foray into the industry began at a local television station, where he took on roles ranging from operating a sound boom to serving as a technical director for live studio programs.

Kemper’s cinematic journey took a significant turn on his first day of shooting “Husbands,” where he faced the challenge of lighting a scene in a men’s bathroom with black-painted walls and actors donned in black overcoats for a funeral. Reflecting on the experience, he recalled Cassavetes’ simple yet profound guidance: “You’re the cinematographer, I’m the director, you figure it out.”

His extensive filmography includes notable works such as “They Might Be Giants” (1971), “Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?” (1971), “The Gambler” (1974), “Stay Hungry” (1976), “Coma” (1978), “Magic” (1978), “Xanadu” (1980), “The Four Seasons” (1981), and “Clue” (1985).

Kemper’s talent extended to television as well, earning an Emmy nomination for his work on the 1987 CBS telefilm “Kojak: The Price of Justice” and contributing to the acclaimed 1985 CBS miniseries “The Atlanta Child Murders.”