Gene Polito, American cinematographer (Futureworld, Up in Smoke, Lost in Space), died from esophageal cancer he was , 92

Eugene "Gene" Emmanuel Polito was an American cinematographer, mechanical engineer and academic. His numerous of film and television credits included Futureworld, Up in Smoke and Lost in Space died from esophageal cancer he was , 92.

(September 13, 1918 - November 28, 2010)


Polito was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1918, the son of cinematographer Sol Polito and his wife, Frances Polito.^[1] Polito was just eight months old when his family moved to Los Angeles in 1919 so his father, Sol Polito, could continue working at Warner Brothers Studios.^[1]
Polito graduated from Loyola High School in Los Angeles.^[1] He attended Loyola University (now Loyola Marymount University), before earning his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California.^[1] Polito was employed as an engineer for aerospace manufacturer, Douglas Aircraft Company, during World War II.^[1]
Polito began his career as a cinematographer towards the end of World War II.^[1] His career ultimately spanned more than forty years and included hundreds of film and television productions.^[1] A member of the American Society of Cinematographers, Polito is credited with the invention of the "Polito Bracket," which film studio photographers now use as a mounting accessory for cameras.^[1] Polito became a professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts when he was 62 years old.^[1]
Gene Polito died at his home in Irvine, California, on November 28, 2010, at the age 92, after a three year illness with esophageal cancer.^[1] He was survived by his wife, Lucy Polito, whom he had been married to for 66 years; nine children; his brother, Robert Polito; and nine great-grandchildren. His funeral was held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Irvine, California.^[1]

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