Legendary cinematographer Michael Ballhaus Dies

Three-time Oscar nominated cinematographer, Michael Ballhaus, died Tuesday evening in Berlin after a short illness. He was 81.

Ballhaus worked on Gangs of New York and Goodfellas, among his other projects.

The long-time member of the film industry was born August 5, 1935 in Germany, Ballhaus was an accomplished cinematographer and director. His career began by working closely with Rainer Werner Fassbinder on 16 films beginning with 1970's -- films such as Whity and The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant, Satan's Brew as well as Chinese Roulette.

His fame rose in his later works that included The Departed, Gangs of New York, Goodfellas, Something's Gotta Give, The Legend of Bagger Vance, Wild Wild West, and Sleepers.

Bellhaus was also involved with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Glass Menagerie, The Color of Money, and What About Bob.