Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Gregg Toland

Role / Field:

Pioneering American cinematographer famous for deep focus and innovative lighting.

Born:

1904-05-29

Died:

1948-09-28

Century / Era:

1904s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Gregg Wesley Toland (May 29, 1904 – September 28, 1948) was an American cinematographer known for his innovative use of techniques such as deep focus, examples of which can be found in his work on Orson Welles' Citizen Kane (1941), William Wyler's The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), and John Ford's The Grapes of Wrath, and The Long Voyage Home (both, 1940). He is also known for his work as a director of photography for Wuthering Heights (1939), The Westerner (1940), Ball of Fire (1941), The Outlaw (1943), Song of the South (1946) and The Bishop's Wife (1947). Toland earned six Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography, and won for his work on Wuthering Heights. He was voted one of the top ten most influential cinematographers in the history of film by the International Cinematographers Guild in 2003.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Toland was born in Charleston, Illinois, on May 29, 1904, to Jennie, a housekeeper, and Frank Toland. His mother moved to California several years after his parents divorced in 1910. Toland got his start in the film industry at the age of 15, working as an office boy at the Fox studio. He became an assistant cameraman a year later. His trademark chiaroscuro, side-lit...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alejo Carpentier — Contemporary (Born in 1904) (1904): Influential Cuban novelist, essayist, and musicologist of the Latin American Boom.
• Alice Rahon — Contemporary (Born in 1904) (1904): French-born Mexican poet and painter whose work bridged surrealism and abstraction.
• Ancel Keys — Contemporary (Born in 1904) (1904): Pioneering physiologist who studied diet's influence on health, notably fat replacement.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Contemporary (Died in 1948) (1948): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Abdullah Öcalan — Contemporary (Born in 1948) (1948): Founder of the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and advocate for Kurdish rights.
• Abdulrazak Gurnah — Contemporary (Born in 1948) (1948): Acclaimed Tanzanian novelist and Nobel laureate exploring themes of colonialism and refuge.
• Annette Bening — Shared historical date (05-29 · Born) (1958): Versatile American actress celebrated for her dynamic stage and screen performances.
• Baháʼu'lláh — Shared historical date (05-29 · Died) (1892): Founder of the Baháʼí Faith, whose teachings emphasize unity and world governance.
• Alexandre Cabanel — Shared historical date (09-28 · Born) (1823): Prominent French Academic painter, celebrated for historical and mythological subjects.
• Althea Gibson — Shared historical date (09-28 · Died) (2003): Pioneering American tennis and golf star who broke racial barriers in sports.
• 1904 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1904
• May 29 (05-29) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 29
• 1948 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1948
• September 28 (09-28) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 28

Frequently Asked Questions about Gregg Toland