How Did Terry O'Neill Die?

Terry O’Neill passed away on the 16th of November 2019 aged 81 after a battle with Prostate Cancer. He was renowned for taking amazing photographs of some of the worlds most identifiable musical, films, political and popular culture icons throughout his 6-decade long career.

Six Decades Behind the 35mm Rangefinder

Born in Romford, Essex in 1938, O’Neill started his professional career in 1959. Throughout his career he took photographs of some massive names in the entertainment industry including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor.

O’Neill received a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) award from Prince William in October 2019 shortly before his death in recognition of his services to photography.

A Relatable, Candid Approach to World Icons

O’Neill became well known for capturing celebrities in their more casual surroundings. His work often showcases people in between performances, rehearsals and candid moments.

His work has featured many musicians, actors and public figures who have played major roles in popular culture. He has photographed some of the worlds most well known public figures such as Frank Sinatra and Audrey Hepburn. His photographs are well known for capturing incredible moments.

Preserving an Unrivalled British Cultural Archive

One of O’Neill’s most famous photographs is his portrait of Faye Dunaway at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 1977. This was shot the morning after she had won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Network.

Overall his work has documented decades of musical, film and celebrity history. His photographs can be found in public archives such as the National Portrait Gallery in London, containing various portraits taken by O’Neill. His archive contains photographs of many musicians, actors and influential figures throughout the twentieth century.