Terry O'Neill

(British, 1938–2019)

Terry O’Neill is a British photographer known for his distinctive snapshot aesthetic and for his candid portraits of celebrities. Born on July 30, 1938 in London, England, O’Neill began his career as a commercial photographer, working at The Daily Sketch. His portraits of public figures—including the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and members of the British Royal Family—were noted for their unposed, intimate nature, and O’Neill soon rose to fame in the 1960s. His relationship with Faye Dunaway resulted in some of the most iconic photographs of the American actress, including a memorable series of images of Dunaway on the morning after her Best Actress Academy Award win in 1977. Along with the photographers Terence Donovan, David Bailey, and Patrick Lichfield, O’Neill’s celebrity and fashion photography has been credited with defining and mythologizing the collective image of “Swingin’ 60s” London. He was awarded the Royal Photographic Society’s Centenary Medal in 2011.