Sol Negrin, a cinematographer who received five Emmy nominations, three for his work on the classic Telly Savalas cop series Kojak, died March 20, the American Society of Cinematographers announced. He was 88.
Negrin’s other credits as a director of photography include episodes of McCloud, The White Shadow, St. Elsewhere and Rhoda; the 1972 documentary The Concert for Bangladesh; and the 1974 feature Amazing Grace, starring Moms Mabley.
He contributed additional cinematography to films including King Kong (1976), Superman (1978), Jaws 2 (1978), RoboCop (1987) and Coming to America (1988).
Negrin also earned four Clio Awards for his work on TV commercials, including one for an iconic 1970s American Tourister campaign that demonstrated just how durable the company’s suitcases could be.
Negrin was Emmy nominated for CBS’ Kojak in 1974, 1975 and 1976 and also was singled out for his work on the 1978 ABC telefilm The Last Tenant, starring Tony Lo Bianco and Lee Strasberg, and for a 1982 episode of the Ron Silver CBS sitcom Baker’s Dozen.
Born in New York City, Negrin worked as a camera assistant for more than a decade alongside such noted cinematographers as Lee Garmes (1932’s Scarface), Joe Biroc (It’s a Wonderful Life), Harry Stradling Sr. (My Fair Lady) and Charles Lang (Some Like It Hot).
He later joined the staff of the commercial production houses MPO Videotronics, where Gordon Willis (The Godfather) was his assistant, and Filmex.
Negrin then served as a camera operator on such films as Where’s Poppa? (1970) and Across 110th Street (1972) and on series including The Patty Duke Show; Car 54, Where Are You?; and Naked City.
Negrin was twice president of the International Cinematographers Guild Local 644 and taught advanced cinematography at NYU. The American Society of Cinematographers honored him with its Presidents Award in 2010.
Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Betty; son Michael, also a cinematographer; and granddaughters Sophia and Natasha.
“Right after Sol met his wife-to-be Betty, he called me to ask if he could bring her to my set on Stuart Little 2,” ASC and ICG national president Steven Poster recalled in a statement. “They came and stayed for a while. I’ll never forget the vision I had of how much Sol and Betty were in love.”
Christina Pompa-Kwok contributed to this report.
