LOS ANGELES, CA – November 11, 2023: The film community mourns the passing of former Academy President John Bailey, who peacefully departed on Friday, November 10, in Los Angeles at the age of 81.
His wife, Carol Littleton, shared, “It is with deep sadness I share with you that my best friend and husband, John Bailey, passed away peacefully in his sleep early this morning. During John’s illness, we reminisced how we met 60 years ago and were married for 51 of those years. We shared a wonderful life of adventure in film and made many long-lasting friendships along the way. John will forever live in my heart.”
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang expressed their sorrow, stating, “All of us at the Academy are deeply saddened to learn of John’s passing. John was a passionately engaged member of the Academy and the film community. His impact and contributions to the film community will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and support are with Carol at this time.”
John Bailey’s illustrious career spanned nearly five decades, with notable contributions to films such as “Ordinary People,” “The Big Chill,” “Silverado,” and many others.
As a pioneer in the industry, Bailey served as an Academy governor for 15 years and held two terms as Academy President from 2017-2019, making history as the first cinematographer to assume this prestigious position. His leadership extended to various Academy committees and boards, including the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, Film Scholar and Grants, and the Science and Technology Council.
A respected member of the American Society of Cinematographers, Bailey received numerous accolades, including the Ojai Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and the American Society of Cinematographers Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
Survived by his wife Carol Littleton, an Oscar-nominated film editor, John Bailey’s legacy will be remembered through a memorial service to be held at a later date. The family kindly requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Academy Foundation in memory of John Bailey.
