18 Facts About Ron Galella

Ronald Edward Galella was an American photographer, known as a pioneer paparazzo.

Ron Galella photographed many celebrities out of the public eye and gained notice for his feuds with some of them, including Jacqueline Onassis and Marlon Brando.

Ron Galella was born in New York City on January 10,1931, in a family of Italian heritage.

Ron Galella's father, Vincenzo, was an immigrant from Muro Lucano, Basilicata, who manufactured pianos and coffins; his mother, Michelina, was born in New Jersey to immigrants from Benevento, Campania, and worked as a crochet beader.

Ron Galella served as a United States Air Force photographer from 1951 to 1955, including during the Korean War.

Ron Galella later attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, graduating with a degree in photojournalism in 1958.

Ron Galella soon became known for his photographic approach, portraying famous people out of the spotlight, usually in spontaneous expressions.

Ron Galella's photographs have been featured in hundreds of publications including Time, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, Vanity Fair, People, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Life.

Ron Galella was the subject of a 2010 documentary film by Leon Gast entitled Smash His Camera.

The film's title is a quote from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis directed to her security agent after Ron Galella pursued her and her children through Central Park, New York.

Ron Galella was known for his obsessive picture taking of Jacqueline Onassis and the subsequent legal battles associated with it.

Ron Galella was found guilty of breaking this order four times and faced seven years in jail and a $120,000 fine; later settling for a $10,000 fine and surrendering his rights to photograph Jackie and her children.

Ron Galella hired lawyers Stuart Schlesinger and Alfred Julien to sue Brando and ultimately settled for US$40,000.

Ron Galella once lost a tooth when he was beaten by Richard Burton's security guards.

Ron Galella worked as a photo editor for Today Is Sunday, and was his business partner.

Ron Galella resided in Montville, New Jersey, during his later years.

Ron Galella died on April 30,2022, at his home in Montville, New Jersey.

Ron Galella was 91, and suffered from congestive heart failure prior to his death.