Gjon Mili

Born in 1904 in Korçë, Albania, Mili came to the United States in 1923. Best known for his groundbreaking photography in LIFE magazine, his influence reached far beyond its pages. A pioneer of light and motion, Mili remains one of the most original artists of the 20th century.

Guys and Dolls, (1955). Actors Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra, Vivian Blaine strolling arm-in-arm in scene from film "Guys and Dolls" captured by Gjon Mili.

Frank Sinatra singing to Vivian Blaine in scene from film "Guys and Dolls."

Marlon Brando photographed by Gjon Mili in the musical film Guys and Dolls (1955), as he dances his way into the heart of Salvation Army lass Jean Simmons in Mankiewicz’s big movie of the American classic.

Marlon Brando yawning while waiting between takes during filming "Guys and Dolls" caught by Gjon Mili, 1955.

The striking photographs on these pages, taken by Gjon Mili, show Picasso's latest and certainly most spectacular medium, drawing in blacked-out space with a flashlight. The idea was suggested by Mili, who got Picasso interested by showing him photographs of trails of light made by Skater Carol Lynne stunting with flashlights on her toes.

Pablo Picasso pictured here by Mili in 1949 painting a centaur with light. This photo was featured in the Jan. 30, 1950 LIFE magazine. Mili's work is about how photography freezes moments, creates prominence, and makes history.

Gjon Mili's Portrait of Picasso. The artist bare-chested and smiling, features partially obscured by cigarette smoke. 1949, France.

A glimpse of something wonderful. American actress Jane Fonda.

Elizabeth Taylor on location in Mismaloya, Mexico during filming of "The Night of the Lguana".

Actress Jeanne Moreau, star of "Five Branded Women" picture, during her visit in New York.

Follow LIFE photographer Marie Hansen by Mili, handling a camera, running & crouching as she would do on assignment.

Model Dorian Leigh wearing deep open back slim sheath dress by Dior New York.

Models wearing spring suits by Hattie Carnegie. 1951

Alfred Hitchcock on set during filming of "Shadow of a Doubt.

Alfred Hitchcock clowning and pointing on set during filming of "Shadow of a Doubt.

Rare and previously unpublished photographs of Tina Turner on stage taken by the great Gjon Mili in 1970.

Gjon Mili with Jack L. Warner, head of Warner Bros. Studios on set of "Jammin' the Blues" film being directed by Mili. Hollywood, CA, U.S., 1944.

Mili working on set of ”Jammin' the Blues” film being directed by Mili.

Gjon Mili working with motion picture crew on set of ”Jammin' the Blues” film being directed by Mili.

Gjon Mili on set of motion picture ”Jammin' the Blues” film being directed by him.

A Life Well Lived. Gjon Mili died of pneumonia on Feb 14, 1984 at Courtland Gardens, Stamford. He was 79 years old and lived in Manhattan. The French humanist photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson commenting on Mr. Mili's work, said: ''I admire his sense of economy, his respect for craftsmanship and his distaste for pretensions.'' Mr. Mili was survived by a brother and a sister who lived in Bucharest, Rumania.