Ken Kelsch, an American cinematographer and actor, passed away on December 11, 2023, due to COVID-19 and pneumonia in Hackettstown, New Jersey. He was 76 years old. Kelsch began his career in the movie industry in the 1970s and made significant contributions over the years.
Though his life has been cut short, his legacy lives on in works like Bad Lieutenant(1992), The Last House on the Left(1972), and 100 Feet(2008).
Apart from his career, Kelsch was married to Dale Denning with whom he had four children.
The Late Cinematographer Died from Pneumonia and COVID-19 in December 2023 at the Age of 76
News of Kelsh’s death on December 11, 2023, made the rounds leaving many wondering what could have cut his life short. He died at the Hackettstown Medical Center in New Jersey from Covid-19 and pneumonia.
His son, Chris Kelsch revealed that his father was a great man who was loved by many and he would be missed by many.
Other Facts To Know About Ken Kelsch
1. He was born and raised in a Catholic family
Kenneth Arthur Kelsch was born on July 8, 1947, in Brooklyn to parents of Alsatian(Father) and Scottish(mother) origin. Looking at his year of birth, Kelsch was born after the major catastrophe of the Second World War. His father is said to have fought in the war.
As a result, he heard a lot of stories about the war during his childhood. Also, he learned how to do black-and-white photography from his father.
During his freshman year in High school, he joined the seminary. Sadly, his father died in his first week. Added to this, his mother was two weeks pregnant with his younger sister.
This made him return home; meaning his mother who had only a high school education raised him, his two older sisters, and his younger sister in East Newark.
He attended Rutgers University but dropped out in his first year. He lasted graduated from NYU Tisch School of Arts in 1977.
2. Kelsch joined the military to get the attention of women
Before he dropped out of Rutgers University in his first year, the cinematographer enlisted in the US Army.
While serving in the nation’s military is a noble cause, his reasons may not be seen as such. According to him, he joined the military to ‘get chicks’. However, his hope was dashed. He served in two tours as a team leader with Special Forces in Vietnam and Laos but upon returning to the US as a first lieutenant, he discovered that many did not support the war and no one appreciated his service.
Considering this, we may not be wrong to say that his aim of joining the military to get women was defeated.
3. The Brooklyn-born’s Career as a Cinematographer Lasted for More Than Four Decades
He launched his career shortly after graduating from NYU in 1977. One of his earliest contacts was with Ferrara whom he met in 1978 and had a long-time collaboration with as we shall see.
According to IMDB, his earliest credits were as a gaffer which dates back to the 1972 work The Last House on the Left. Over the years, he added credits as a key grip, camera operator, cinematographer, and actor.
Notably, he is famed for his behind-the-camera work as his acting was mostly in minor roles. The same source credits him with over 60 works. However, he does not have awards to show for it except for the Independent Features Project West nomination for The Funeral(1997).
Cinematography Acting Camera and Electrical
4. He and Abel Ferrara fell out for 8 and a half years over his pay for Ms. 45
Throughout his career, Kelsch collaborated closely with Abel Ferrara whom he shares over 15 credits. However, not many are aware that they had a fallout that lasted 8 and half years.
Taking a few slow steps, their issue started when they did not agree on how much Kelsch would be aid to direct Ms. 45(1981). Kelsch wanted to be paid about $1000 a week while Abel proposed he buy him a Mercedes.
The pair fought over a bottle of Jim Beam and had a fallout that lasted 8 and a half years.
While such a fight over finances is not unusual in movie making, the implication is that it stalls the making of some of our beloved movies.
Thankfully, the pair were able to work out their differences. They later came back together and worked on one of Kelsch’s renowned works, Bad Lieutenant which was made on a budget of $2.5 million.
Reportedly, the fallout ended when Kelsch got a call from Ferrara around 4 am one morning to talk about making the movie.
5. He also taught filmmaking
For such a talented creative, Kelsch believes in giving back to society. No wonder, he took the route of teaching filmmaking. He started teaching at CETA after Driller Killer. This was after his fallout with Ferrara.
At the time, he is said to have combined teaching with During the time, he combined it with gaffing for commercials. Also, he taught at Montclair State and Five Towns College in New York.
6. The Ex-serviceman was married more than once during his lifetime
Though he is generally reported to have married Dale Dennings whom he divorced, to the best of our knowledge, it was his second marriage.
Not much is known about the first. Needless to say, his second marriage was a well-publicized one. He and Dale shared a lot in common especially when it relates to their professional life.
They go way back to his days at NYU. She is said to have shot his thesis film while he was a Summer assistant. In later years, she enjoyed career success by working in the camera and electrical department. She is notable for her work on Screamtime(1983) and The Driller Killer(1979).
Their marriage ended sometime in the 2000s. Sadly, Denning died of brain cancer in June 2016.
See Also: Andre Braugher’s Cause of Death, Net Worth, And Best Films
7. He is the father of four children
The moviemaker fathered four children with Dale Denning during his lifetime. They include Chris, Joy, and Nina. A close look at their lives shows that his children live quietly and away from the public eye.
