Mario Anthony Casilli (January 22, 1931 – April 25, 2002) was an American photographer. Among other assignments, he worked for Playboy magazine between 1957 and 1996 and his first photoshoot there was of Jacquelyn Prescott, as Playmate of the Month of September 1957.
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before moving to Hollywood, where he worked at Paul Hesse Studios. This is the place where he learned the business of photography. After four years of working at Paul Hesse Studios, Casilli decided to open up his own studio and begin his career as a professional photographer. He had the opportunity to photograph big celebrities such as Donna Summer,
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Victoria Principal
Vicki Ree Principal (born January 3, 1950),Joan Collins and Mariel Hemingway. In addition to his work with ''Playboy'', Casilli also contributed stills to the films '' Star 80'' (1983) (which was about murdered Playmate Dorothy Stratten) and '' Nuts'' (1987). Casilli did a special promotional shoot of
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in her iconic bikini from '' Return of the Jedi'' (1983).
Casilli also photographed many album covers, including The Judds 1985 album '' Rockin' with the Rhythm''.
In his later years, Casilli taught at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. He also continued to take photographs and to maintain his studio in Southern California.
Casilli died in Altadena, California, at the age of 71.