Celebrities' Life by Ron Galella - America’s Most Famous Paparazzi Photographer

Ron Galella, America’s most famous paparazzi photographer, likes to say he owes his career to the U.S. Air Force. After studying art in high school, Galella was working with ceramics after graduation when the Korean War broke out in June 1950. Rather than being drafted for combat, he decided to enlist for an arts-related position in the Air Force. Though he’d never studied it before, Galella discovered photography to be the closest discipline to fine art. After the war, he pursued the medium academically, studying photojournalism at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, which introduced him to the world of Hollywood.

Though he’d photograph countless stars throughout his career, including Madonna, Michael Jackson and Marlon Brando, Galella’s favorite subject would become First Lady Jackie Kennedy.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis photographed walking on Madison Avenue in New York City. Oct. 7, 1971

Sean Penn punches photographer Vinnie Zuffante in the courtyard of Penn's West 64th Street apartment building. Aug. 29, 1986

Woody Allen and Diane Keaton attend a book launch party. Sept. 12, 1972

Bianca Jagger attends a party for Andy Warhol. Feb. 17, 1977

Bruce Springsteen, Bob, Dylan, and Mick Jagger (left to right) perform during the 3rd Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Jan. 20, 1988

Carlo Ponti and Sophia Loren at the premiere for the film Dr. Zhivago. Dec. 22, 1965

Clint Eastwood at a golf tournament. Jan. 22, 1970

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton at the premiere of A Flea in Her Ear. Oct. 18, 1968

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Aristotle Onassis depart PJ Clarke's restaurant. Jan. 17, 1971

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and John Jr. ride bikes in Central Park. Sept. 24, 1969

Janet and Michael Jackson at the American Music Awards rehearsal. Jan. 30, 1977

Marlon Brando and Ron Galella wearing a football helmet at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Nov. 26, 1974

Mick Jagger with his girlfriend Jerry Hall photographed as they left the Limelight club. Sept. 19, 1984

Robert DeNiro at the Lifetime Achievement Awards. March 1, 1977

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis on the pages of a LIFE magazine issue dated March 31, 1972

Ron Galella poses with his photographs at his home in Westchester, NY. Jan.15, 1976

(via TIME LightBox)