Art Zelin, Celebrity Photographer, Dies at 75
We are very sad to announce the recent passing of APAG member Art Zelin on November 3, 2016.
Art Zelin, one of the top paparazzi photographers in New York during the heyday of popular culture in the city, died unexpectedly on Thursday in Manhattan. He was 75.
Known for his cantankerous wit and unstoppable energy, Mr. Zelin amassed a voluminous and diverse collection of celebrity photography captured at hotspots in the 60’s and 70’s such as Studio 54 and the Paramount Theatre. Unlike other paparazzi photographers of the day, Mr. Zelin’s friendly approach endeared him to his subjects, who often went out of their way to accommodate his uniquely intimate portraits by posing when they spotted him nearby. Even the very private Jacqueline Onassis later autographed one of the most famous photos he had taken of her in gratitude.
Art Zelin Collection images have appeared on the covers of Life Magazine, Paris Match and other major publications. His iconic shots of famous people including the Beatles, the Kennedys, sports figures and movie stars, are licensed exclusively through Getty Images.
Mr. Zelin took a bad fall outside his home in Brooklyn this week and died as a result of complications suffered while being treated in the intensive care unit at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital. He is survived by his wife Myrna, son Steven and daughters Pamela and Susan.
