Canadian cinematographer Nikos Evdemon is being remembered as a trailblazer in the industry with a long line of award-winning TV credits, including The Movie Network and Movie Central’s series ReGenesis, CBC’s Seeing Things and USA Network drama Monk.

Evdemon died at his Toronto residence of pulmonary fibrosis on Oct. 30, his son Emmanuel Evdemon, an entertainment lawyer, tells Playback Daily. He was 82.

Born in Greece, Evdemon got a degree in film and television in Berlin before moving to Canada. He got his start at CBC in the 1970s and had a long career there, first in the news department on documentaries and specials, and then in film production as director of photography for TV movies, series and miniseries in a variety of genres.

His other TV series work included CBC’s Peep Show and Material World, and CTV and USA Network’s La Femme Nikita, among many other projects.

He also worked on scores of TV movies, including CBC’s Pit Pony, Getting Married in Buffalo Jump and Glory Enough for All; CTV’s A Colder Kind of Death and Torso: The Evelyn Dick Story; and Lifetime’s Dangerous Child and Blue Smoke.

Evdemon’s honours included four Gemini Awards, two Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC) awards and a CSC President’s Award for lifetime achievement award. He also served on the board of the CSC.

“Nikos will be dearly missed in the industry, as well as fondly remembered as a trailblazer, industry leader, and genuine friend,” Emmanuel Evdemon wrote to Playback in announcing his father’s passing. He also sent along one of his father’s favourite quotes: “Never underestimate yourself, others will do that for you.”

Evdemon is also survived by son Andreas Evdemon, who continues the family legacy as a camera operator and cinematographer, and his spouse Kelly Gilbert; Emmanuel Evdemon’s spouse, Marie Bedard; and three grandchildren, Harley, Emma, and Luka.

Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Evdemon