Joe Epperson, Camera Operator on ‘The Tonight Show’ and ‘Full House,’ Dies at 80

by

Joe Epperson, a three-time Emmy nominee who worked extensively on shows such as “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” “Full House,” and “The Tonight Show,” passed away at the age of 80.

On Saturday, Epperson passed away at Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, as confirmed by his wife of 58 years, Patty Epperson, to The Hollywood Reporter. Since April 29, when his appendix ruptured, he had been receiving treatment in the hospital and rehabilitation facilities.

Epperson, who was married for 58 years to Patty Epperson, died on Saturday at Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. The Hollywood Reporter received confirmation of his passing from Mrs. Epperson. Since April 29, when his appendix ruptured, he had been undergoing treatment in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

Or:

Epperson, a man who shared a 58-year marriage with Patty Epperson, passed away on Saturday at Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. The news was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by Mrs. Epperson. Since April 29, when his health took a turn for the worse following a ruptured appendix, he had been receiving medical attention in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

Renowned for his proficiency with handheld cameras, Epperson filmed “The Pee-wee Herman Show” in 1981 at the Roxy in West Hollywood. This production aired on HBO, catapulting Paul Reubens and his iconic, humorous character to fame.

OR

Epperson, known for his camera skills, captured “The Pee-wee Herman Show” at the Roxy in West Hollywood in 1981. This show, broadcasted on HBO, helped Paul Reubens and his popular comedic persona become widely recognized.

Additionally, he focused his camera on Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, and Sammy Davis Jr., during a three-night event at the Fox Theatre in Detroit for a 1989 Showtime special. Moreover, he contributed to the James Keach-directed documentary titled “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me,” which was released in 2014 and chronicled the music legend’s final tour, as he battled Alzheimer’s disease.

He initially joined the Society of Camera Operators, which dates back to 1979, serving on its governing body as a board member. In 1995, he was bestowed with their prestigious lifetime achievement award.

As a gamer, I was the one behind the camera, capturing the magic of shows like CBS’ All in the Family from 1975 to 1979 and its spinoff, The Jeffersons, from 1976 to 1982. Later on, I extended my journey into the world of television by working on ABC’s Full House throughout its eight-season ride from 1987 to 1995.

He also worked as an operator for over fifteen years on The Tonight Show, beginning in 1992 when Jay Leno took over from Johnny Carson.

Joseph Epperson hails from Camden, New Jersey, where he was born on February 9, 1945. However, he grew up in Berea, Ohio. His senior, also named Joseph, worked as a top engineer for E.W. Scripps at WEWS, the first TV station in Ohio. Notably, he contributed to significant sports events like the 1948 World Series between the Cleveland Indians and Boston Braves, and the 1954 NFL championship game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.

After completing his education at Berea High School and Ohio University, Epperson held positions at WEWS and WUAB-TV. This was during a period that included his tour with the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969. In 1971, he secured a job with Television Production Co. in Pittsburgh. He later moved to Los Angeles in 1975, where he spent several years at KTTV.

Epperson continued his career by collaborating on television specials and concerts that included renowned artists such as Paul Simon, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Big Bird (from Sesame Street), Richard Pryor, Linda Lavin, The Doobie Brothers, Hall & Oates, George Carlin, Dixie Chicks, The Go-Go’s, Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, and Elton John. This work was done for a special broadcast on PBS in China.

He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his contributions to the concerts featuring Rod Stewart (in 1982), Sheena Easton (in 1983) and Cher (in 2000), which were broadcasted on television.

His work history encompassed various television shows, such as Fernwood Tonight, America 2-Night, Bosom Buddies, Family Ties, Webster, Amen, Married… With Children, Big Brother, American Idol, The X Factor, among others. He also captured numerous Oscar red carpet events and Rose Parades on camera.

In the year 2000, Epperson returned to Berea and served for a period of five years as the treasurer of the local historical society.

They, a couple since their high school days, initially crossed paths in the year 1959. Their romantic journey began in 1961, and they exchanged wedding vows in October of 1966. Besides them, the family mourns their loss, which includes their daughters Amanda and Rebecca, as well as their grandchildren Jaquelyn, Kirsten, Isabella, and Joseph.

At Hollywood, Epperson held various roles, including technical director, stage manager, assistant director, and lighting director.

Or,

In the world of Hollywood, Epperson worked in multiple positions such as a technical director, stage manager, assistant director, and lighting director.

Or,

Hollywood was where Epperson took on different roles, such as technical director, stage manager, assistant director, and lighting director.

In 1995, cinematographer Steven Poster remarked that “Joe grasps the overall vision.” He doesn’t label himself as a lighting director or camera operator; instead, he sees himself as part of the team with a commitment to the audience. Every director values people like Joe because it’s all about cooperation and teamwork in this field.

Read More

2025-06-29 17:54