Gordon Parks Jr., a multifaceted creative talent, was born Gordon Roger Parks in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, to renowned photographer and filmmaker Gordon Alexander Parks and Sally Alvis.
As the son of a prominent filmmaker, Parks Jr. began his career by using the name Gordon Rogers to distinguish himself from his father. He explored his artistic side by working as a musician and photographer, honing his skills in both still and motion picture photography.
Parks Jr. had the unique opportunity to work alongside his father on the 1969 film "The Learning Tree," serving as a cameraman on his father's directorial debut. He also lent his photography skills to other notable films, including "The Godfather" in 1971.
In 1972, Parks Jr. directed his own project, the crime film "Super Fly," which garnered both critical acclaim and controversy. Although he went on to direct several more films, none achieved the same level of success as his first.
Tragically, Gordon Parks Jr.'s life was cut short in a plane crash on April 3, 1979, in Nairobi, Kenya, while working on his film "Revenge," which was still in production at the time.
