William Taylor

1944 - 2021

July 5, 1944 - August 22, 2021 William Taylor, ASC, always known as Bill, died peacefully at home from pancreatic cancer. Family was with him. He had a rich and complicated life. A pioneer in Hollywood visual effects. Bill first worked for Ray Mercer Co., then joined the Universal Studios Matte Department under Albert Whitlock, a master in the field. There he met Syd Dutton, another wizard at matte work. When the department closed, Bill and Syd formed Illusion Arts, providing visual effects for over two decades. Bill was very active in cinema's institutions, including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where he served as a Governor. He helped resurrect the Science and Technology Council and to found other groups, including the Visual Effects Society. Among other awards, he earned an Emmy for the mini-series A.D., and AMPAS saluted him with the prestigious Bonner Medal for "outstanding service and dedication" to the field. He mentored many young filmmakers and received warm memorial tributes from his colleagues https://theasc.com/news/in-memoriam-william-taylor-asc-1944-2021. Bill held life-long interest in magic and was a skilled amateur magician. He invented many tricks himself. His specialty was close-up magic but he performed a few large illusions. In a favorite story, entirely true, Bill officiated at his sister's wedding and at the reception sawed a bridesmaid in half. Later Bill developed enthusiasm for complex clocks and had a beautiful collection. In all his interest areas Bill was renowned for his generosity in sharing knowledge, kindness, and willingness to help. Bill married, had a long term girlfriend, and then married twice more. Although the relationships ended he remained, remarkably, on excellent terms with the majority of his former partners. He is survived by his sister Meredith Taylor, his cousin Guy (Barcy) Ford, buddy and helper Douy Swofford, friend and assistant Joseph Gonzales, and a multitude of other friends. He will be greatly missed. Enormous thanks are extended to his caregivers, notably Lita and Mo; physicians Dr. Victor Chiu and Dr. K. Arzoo, and Graceful Palms Hospice. A celebration of life will be private. Donations can be made to the Motion Picture & Television Fund. (Photo: Courtesy AMPAS)