R.I.P. John Carpenter’s cinematographer Gary B. Kibbe

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Gary B. Kibbe earned cinematographer credits on sixteen different titles, and half of those were directed by John Carpenter: PRINCE OF DARKNESS, THEY LIVE, the TV movie BODY BAGS (which also had a segment directed by Tobe Hooper), IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED, ESCAPE FROM L.A., VAMPIRES, and GHOSTS OF MARS. And those aren't the only credits that Carpenter and Kibbe share. Kibbe was also the cinematographer on BLOOD RIVER, a Western written by Carpenter but directed by Mel Damski, and before he became Carpenter's go-to cinematographer he was additional camera operator on HALLOWEEN II and camera operator on BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA.

Kibbe was so strongly associated with Carpenter's work, it was sad to see that Carpenter had to take to Twitter at the end of last week and let his followers know that his frequent collaborator had passed away at the age of 79. 

Gary B. Kibbe, the great cinematographer, has passed away at 79. He photographed most of my movie since 1987. He was a kind man, a great collaborator. I'll miss him.

— John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) March 13, 2020

Born in 1941, Kibbe got his start working in the camera department on films in the 1970s, getting "assistant camera" and "camera operator" credits on some awesome movies like COFFY, CONVOY, and OVER THE EDGE. He continued working as camera operator through the '80s, with his non-Carpenter credits that decade including SIXTEEN CANDLES, QUICKSILVER, and STAND BY ME. He earned a second unit cinematographer credit on FLETCH, and as time went on he did the same on MISERY, A FEW GOOD MEN, HOT SHOTS! PART DEUX, and VIRTUOSITY. He also headed up "additional photography" on ALIEN 3 and THE CROW: CITY OF ANGELS.

Kibbe's other cinematography credits include an episode of Tales from the Crypt, ROBOCOP 3, DOUBLE DRAGON, and an episode of CSI. His final cinematography credit was on a 2003 action film called THE LIBRARIANS, a.k.a. STRIKE FORCE, starring William Forsythe, Erika Eleniak, and Andrew Divoff.

Gary B. Kibbe helped bring some great films to the world, with and without John Carpenter. We're sorry to see him go, but viewers will continue to enjoy his work for a long time to come. 

Our condolences go out to Kibbe's family, friends, and fans.