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Caleb Deschanel

b. 1944

American cinematographer and director of film and television

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About Caleb Deschanel

Born 1944. Caleb Deschanel is an American cinematographer, film director, television director and director.

Joseph Caleb Deschanel (born September 21, 1944) He is also a member of the National Film Preservation Board of the Library of Congress, representing the American Society of Cinematographers.

He has been married to actress Mary Jo Deschanel since 1972, with whom he has two daughters, actresses Emily and Zooey Deschanel.

Early life and professional education Deschanel was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Ann Ward (née Orr) and Paul Jules Deschanel. His father was French, from Oullins, Rhône, and his mother was American. Deschanel was raised in his mother's Quaker religion.

He enrolled in Severn School for his high school. He attended Johns Hopkins University from 1962 to 1966, where he met Walter Murch, with whom he staged "happenings," including one in which Murch sat down and ate an apple for an audience. Murch graduated a year ahead of him and encouraged Deschanel to follow him to the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, where he graduated in 1968. During this time, Deschanel was a member of a band of film students called "The Dirty Dozen;" this group attracted attention from the Hollywood system. Following his graduation, he attended the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory and graduated in 1969 as a member of its first class. They have two daughters, actresses Emily and Zooey. In 1984, he was invited to join the American Society of Cinematographers (A.S.C.).

Filmography

As director Film The Escape Artist (1982) Crusoe (1988)

Music video Rhythm of My Heart (1991) for Rod Stewart

Television

As cinematographer

Other credits

Awards and nominations

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
University of Southern California, Johns Hopkins University, USC School of Cinematic Arts, Severn School
Also known as
Joseph Caleb Deschanel

Family & relationships

Spouse
Mary Jo Deschanel
Child
Emily Deschanel
Child
Zooey Deschanel

People in Caleb Deschanel's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Caleb Deschanel's

Frequently asked questions

Who is Caleb Deschanel?

American cinematographer and director of film and television

When was Caleb Deschanel born?

Caleb Deschanel was born on 21 September 1944 in Philadelphia.

What is Caleb Deschanel's occupation?

Caleb Deschanel is a cinematographer, film director, television director and director.

What nationality is Caleb Deschanel?

Caleb Deschanel is American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Caleb Deschanel

· Wikidata: Q49020

· DBpedia: Caleb Deschanel

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Caleb Deschanel. https://biography.guide/caleb-deschanel/

MLA: "Caleb Deschanel." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/caleb-deschanel/.

Chicago: "Caleb Deschanel." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/caleb-deschanel/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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