Date of Birth: August 28, 1899
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: July 12, 1976
Biography
James Wong Howe was an influential American cinematographer renowned for his innovative techniques in black-and-white cinematography. Born in Taishan, Guangdong, China, Howe immigrated to the United States at the age of five. Over his prolific career spanning five decades, Howe worked on over 130 films, earning 10 Academy Award nominations and winning twice for his work on “The Rose Tattoo” (1955) and “Hud” (1963). Known for his adept use of deep focus, low-key lighting, and innovative camera movements, Howe contributed significantly to the visual style of American cinema. Despite facing racial discrimination, he rose to the top of his field and remains a celebrated figure in film history.
5 Interesting Facts about James Wong Howe
1. James Wong Howe was one of the first cinematographers to use deep focus, allowing both foreground and background to remain in sharp focus.
2. He was a pioneer in the use of low-key lighting to create dramatic shadow effects, which became a hallmark of film noir.
3. Howe was nominated for an Academy Award 10 times, winning twice.
4. He was one of the first Asian Americans to gain prominence in Hollywood, breaking racial barriers in the film industry.
5. James Wong Howe was also a skilled still photographer and originally considered a career in boxing before turning to cinematography.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Wong Howe
1. “A good cameraman should be part of the director’s team, not just a hired hand.”
2. “I always try to make the camera move in a way that’s natural and not forced.”
3. “The camera can be the most effective way to tell a story if used properly.”
4. “Lighting is like painting with light; you can create moods and feelings just by the way you light a scene.”
5. “Film is a visual medium; never forget that the story is told through images.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, James Wong Howe’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant amount for his time.
Children
James Wong Howe did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [James Wong Howe on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0397432/
2. [James Wong Howe on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Wong_Howe