Purple Rain cinematographer dies at 81

Donald E. Thorin, cinematographer on Purple Rain, has died at the age of 81.
The veteran filmmaker passed away at his home in Tucson, Arizona on 9 February (16), his son Donald E. Thorin Jr. tells The Hollywood Reporter.
Thorin Jr., also a cinematographer, tells the publication his father “loved” working on late singer Prince’s beloved film, adding, “He really melded with Prince on the film.”
Thorin began his career in Hollywood working at 20th Century Fox where he became a camera operator, working on films such as Annie Hall, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, and Bound for Glory.
By the 1980s, Thorin was in high demand, serving as the director of photography or cinematographer on films such as An Officer and a Gentleman, Thief, Midnight Run, Scent of a Woman, Boys on the Side, Tango & Cash, The First Wives Club and Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls.
His last credit is Chris Rock’s political comedy Head of State, in 2003.