Ricou Browning, a Hollywood legend and underwater filmmaker, has passed away at the age of 93.
Browning was renowned for his pioneering work in underwater photography and his contributions to some of the most memorable films and television shows of his time. Born in Florida in 1930, Browning began his career as a swimmer and diver during his teenage years.
He later became a professional competitor and won numerous championships, including several national titles. His success as an athlete led him to work in the film industry, where he quickly established himself as a sought-after underwater director and cinematographer.
Browning’s most notable contribution to cinema was his work on the James Bond film Thunderball. As the film’s underwater director, he was tasked with creating some of the most spectacular underwater action sequences ever seen on screen. Browning worked closely with the film’s director, Terence Young, to choreograph the film’s iconic underwater battle scenes and to ensure that they looked realistic and exciting.
Aside from his work on Thunderball, Browning also worked on several other high-profile films, including Creature from the Black Lagoon and its sequels, in which he played the creature in underwater scenes. He also worked on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Never Say Never Again, and numerous television shows. Browning continued to work in the film industry as writer, second unit director and stunt coordinator until the late 1980s.
Browning’s contributions to the film industry were recognized with numerous awards and honours. In 2012 he was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame and in 2019 the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards’ Monster Kid Hall of Fame.
Ricou Browning will be remembered as a true pioneer in underwater filmmaking and a visionary artist who pushed the boundaries of what was possible on screen. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence filmmakers for generations to come.
