William A. Fraker

William Ashman Fraker, ASC, BSC (September 29, 1923 – May 31, 2010) was an American cinematographer and director.

Described as "one of America's most respected cinematographers," he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography five times, and was a six-term President of the American Society of Cinematographers.

Background Fraker was born in Los Angeles, California, the son of a Hollywood studio photographer. His mother was a native of Mexico who had fled the Mexican Revolution with her family. Fraker's parents died during his childhood and he was subsequently raised by his Mexican grandmother, who instructed him in photography like she had with his father before him.

He served four years in either the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, seeing action in the Pacific. Fraker then attended USC under the G.I. Bill, graduating with a degree in Cinema.

He was admitted into the camera union in 1954 and subsequently spent years working in television before breaking into the film industry.

Career Fraker was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography five times - Looking For Mr. Goodbar (1977), Heaven Can Wait (1978), 1941 (1979), WarGames (1983), and Murphy's Romance (1985). He was also nominated for Best Visual Effects for 1941.

In addition to cinematography, Fraker also served as director on three theatrical films, Monte Walsh (1970), A Reflection of Fear (1971) and The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1981); as well as episodes of several television series.

Fraker was a six-term President of the American Society of Cinematographers (1979, 1980, 1984, 1991, 1992).

A room at the American Society of Cinematographers' clubhouse is named in honor of Fraker.

Filmography Cinematographer Film

Documentary film Year Title Director Notes 1975 Fritz Lang Interviewed by William Friedkin William Friedkin 1980 Divine Madness Michael Ritchie Concert film

Television Year Title Director Notes 1966-69 Daktari 1973 Ozzie's Girls Ozzie Nelson Episode "Pilot" 1987 Frank's Place Hugh Wilson Episode "Pilot"

TV movies Year Title Director 1973 Fade In Jud Taylor 1995 Death in Small Doses Sondra Locke

Director Film Year Title Notes 1970 Monte Walsh 1972 A Reflection of Fear 1981 The Legend of the Lone Ranger

Television Year Title Episode(s)1988 Houston Knights "Cajun Spice" J.J. Starbuck "Rag Doll"1989 Unsub "Silent Stalker" B.L. Stryker "The Dancer’s Touch"Wiseguy "Fascination for the Flame" "The Merchant of Death" "How Will They Remember Me?" "The Reunion" "Day Seven" "Sanctuary" 1991 The Flash "Tina, Is That You?" 1993 Walker, Texas Ranger "Night of the Gladiator"

Awards and nominations