Alec Mills, a talented cinematographer who made significant contributions to the iconic James Bond franchise, has passed away at the age of 91. Mills, who started his journey as a camera operator, eventually rose to the position of cinematographer on two Timothy Dalton-starring Bond films, The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill. His son, Simon Mills, announced his passing on Monday, revealing that his father had been battling dementia and was residing in an assisted care home in Buckinghamshire, England.
During his tenure in the Bond series, Mills operated the camera on five films: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), and Octopussy (1983). Director John Glen recognized Mills' talent and selected him as the director of photography for The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill, making him an integral part of these two Bond installments. The latter film was primarily shot at Churubusco Studios in Mexico City.
