Gregg Toland, A.S.C. (May 29, 1904 - September 26, 1948) was a highly influential American cinematographer noted for his innovative use of lighting and techniques such as deep focus, an example of which can be found in his work on Orson Welles' Citizen Kane. During the 1930s, Toland became the youngest cameraman in Hollywood but soon one of its most sought-after cinematographers. Over a seven-year span (1936–1942), he was nominated five times for the "Best Cinematography" Oscar, including a win in 1940 for his work on Wuthering Heights. He worked with many of the top directors of the '20s, '30s, and '40s, including John Ford, Howard Hawks, Erich von Stroheim, King Vidor, Orson Welles, and William Wyler. He was born and raised in Charleston, Illinois and died on September 28, 1948, of a coronary thrombosis in Hollywood, California. Toland was the subject of an "Annals of Hollywood" article in The New Yorker, "The Cameraman," by Hilton Als (June 19, 2006, p. 46). Just before his death, he was concentrating on the "ultimate focus" lens, which makes both near and far objects equally distinct. (via Wikipedia)