(Mr. Wilcots pictured on location)
(Press Release Los Angeles) — JOSEPH M. WILCOTS, FAMED DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY “ROOTS,” the highly acclaimed mini-series and ’79 sequel “ROOTS: The Next Generations,” CINEMATOGRAPHER for Michael Jackson (MJJ)Tours/Videos/Personal, and Oprah’s TV show “The Women of Brewster’s Place” passed away December 30th.
Following his groundbreaking credits in “Roots” and “The Women of Brewster’s Place” , the “King of Pop,” the late Michael Jackson (MJJ), requested the DP services of Joseph M. Wilcots, also as a producer and director for numerous years, including the makings of “Remember the Time” and “In the Closet,” and various MJJ music videos and documentaries, such as “Michael Jackson Live In Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour,” The “Bad” World Tour, and MJJ in Brazil, providing unique insight into the global entertainer’s life.
A major part of American history, as the first African-American to join Hollywood’s Camera Operators Union, Joseph M. Wilcots’ DP credits include “Bill Cosby: Himself,” “Where the Red Fern Grows: Part 2,” “Cornbread Earl & Me,” “Matlock,” and “Palmerstown,” with earlier filming credits of “Lady Sings the Blues,” “The Last Picture Show,” “The Cowboys,” “Star Trek,” “My Three Sons,” “Gunsmoke,” “Mission: Impossible” and many others (see IMDB.com). Mr. Wilcots has worked with a stellar list who’s who in Hollywood, celebrities past and present. Joseph M. Wilcots concluded his illustrious career as director of photography on the new pilot, “Genius in Heels,” starring RaéVen Larrymore Kelly, Vernée Watson, Tonea Stewart, Rachel Grate, Jackson Davis, Reem Mahmood and Ralph Harris (directed by Fernandel Almonor).
Plans are being arranged for an industry dedication celebration, in the very near future, in honor of Joseph M. Wilcots.
