Peter R. Gimbel, a highly acclaimed and accomplished American filmmaker and underwater photojournalist, entered the world on February 14, 1927, in the vibrant and bustling city of New York. As the offspring of Bernard Gimbel, a prominent figure in his own right, and inheritor of the esteemed Gimbels department store chain, Gimbel was reared with a profound sense of privilege and an equally significant sense of responsibility.
After completing his military service in the United States Army occupation force in Japan, which lasted from 1946 to 1947, Gimbel went on to graduate from Yale University in 1951, obtaining degrees in both English and economics.
He then embarked on a ten-year stint in the world of investment banking, where he gained valuable experience and knowledge. However, his life took a dramatic turn when his twin brother tragically passed away at the tender age of 29.
Peter Gimbel's adventure-filled journey commenced in 1955, when he embarked upon an expedition to the majestic Peruvian Andes, accompanied by the esteemed G. Brooks Baekeland and the accomplished Peter Lake, with the singular objective of uncovering the long-lost Inca city of Vilcabamba, a quest that would ultimately serve as the catalyst for the launch of his illustrious and storied career as a renowned filmmaker and pioneering underwater explorer.
Noted filmmaker and adventurer, Charles Francis Gimbel, made a groundbreaking dive to the wreckage of the SS Andrea Doria, a historic maritime disaster, which was subsequently featured in the esteemed publication, Life Magazine, in the month of August, 1956.
Following this remarkable achievement, Gimbel went on to produce not one, but two documentaries, meticulously chronicling the story of the Andrea Doria, titled "The Mystery of the Andrea Doria" and "Andrea Doria: The Final Chapter".
Furthermore, in 1984, Gimbel took his cinematic endeavors to new heights, literally, by opening the safe of the Andrea Doria on live television, showcasing his unwavering dedication to uncovering the secrets of this enigmatic ship.
Peter Gimbel, a renowned filmmaker, not only spearheaded the 1971 cinematic masterpiece "Blue Water, White Death" but also played a crucial role in its production, meticulously guiding the creative vision of this groundbreaking film. This innovative work marked a significant milestone in the world of underwater cinematography, as it was the first time the majestic Great White Shark was captured on camera.
Noted filmmaker and underwater explorer, Gimbel, was distinguished by an unwavering spirit of adventure and an unrelenting passion to defy the conventional limits of what was deemed feasible, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of both filmmaking and underwater exploration that continues to captivate and inspire successive generations of visionaries and storytellers.
