David Worth’s extensive filmography showcases a career built on a deep understanding of visual storytelling. He initially made his name as a director of photography, honing his craft on numerous low-budget productions before catching the eye of cinematic legend Clint Eastwood. Worth collaborated with Eastwood as cinematographer on two of his 1980 releases, the Western comedy “Bronco Billy” and the action-comedy “Any Which Way You Can,” cementing his reputation for capturing dynamic visuals.
His lens also helped define the look of a new wave of martial arts films. Notably, Worth served as director of photography for the 1988 Jean-Claude Van Damme vehicle “Bloodsport,” a film that would become a cult classic and a launching pad for Van Damme’s career. This collaboration proved fruitful, as Worth soon transitioned into directing, helming Van Damme once more in the 1989 hit “Kickboxer.” This film further solidified Van Damme’s action star status and remains a beloved title among martial arts movie enthusiasts.
Beyond these iconic projects, Worth’s directorial credits include episodes of the “Air America” TV series and a string of genre films such as “Shark Attack 2” and “Shark Attack 3.” His work as a cinematographer extended to a diverse range of films, from “China Cry: A True Story” to action flicks like “Lady Dragon,” “American Tigers,” “Raptor Island,” “Man With the Screaming Brain,” and “Alien Apocalypse.”
Worth’s contributions to the film world weren't limited to production. He was also an accomplished author, sharing his insights in books like “Milestones in Cinema: 50 Visionary Films & Filmmakers,” “Orson Welles Crash Course in Cinematography,” and “Zen & the Art of Independent Filmmaking (a cautionary tale).” He also dedicated time to teaching and even earned his master’s degree in 2016, demonstrating a lifelong passion for learning and sharing knowledge.
His daughter, Christina, reflected on his vibrant spirit, stating, “His work was also his joy, and his family frequently joined him on location around the world during his long career. He was irreverent, funny, and in jovial spirits to the very end.” Jean-Claude Van Damme also shared his condolences on Instagram, crediting Worth for his early success: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend David Worth. From ‘Bloodsport’ to ‘Kickboxer,’ David’s talent and vision helped create two martial arts classics that changed my life.”
Worth is survived by his daughter Chrystina Myers, son David Wertheimer, a brother, and two grandsons. His legacy endures through the many films he helped bring to life, influencing generations of filmmakers and delighting audiences worldwide.