Dean Williams worked as a photographer for weddings and other events in the Springfield area for four decades. Over that same period, he also used his skills behind the camera to take thousands of production photos for major motion pictures, including Legally Blonde (2001) and The Blues Brothers (1980) and was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science.
In addition, he was the founder and executive director of the Central Illinois Film Commission, which helps secure tax breaks and other services for filmmakers in the region.
Williams died Dec. 30 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital following an extended period of health troubles. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Williams, who died June 20, 2025. They had been married 28 years.
Williams is described in a post on the CIFC Facebook page as a “visionary, advocate and cornerstone of the central Illinois film and creative community” who “worked tirelessly to promote central Illinois as a viable and welcoming location for film and media production.”
“He had a personality that was bigger than life,” said Laura Richter, production manager for Spencer Films in Springfield, who worked closely with Williams as a member of the CIFC. “His passion for the film industry was unbridled and he did not know a stranger. Dean supported all film projects in our community, regardless of genre, budget or audience. He touched the lives of so many people, and exemplified what filmmaking was truly about: entertaining.”
Dr. Karl Luthin first encountered Williams when they were both involved in the miniseries The Blue and the Gray (1982) starring Stacy Keach. Luthin, who is a large animal veterinarian in Riverton and was at the time a member of the Seventh Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Reenactors, had been hired to provide equipment, horses and reenacting cavalrymen for the shoot. “We were going to Arkansas and there was an article in the paper that we had been hired. Next thing you know, the phone rings and this gentleman calls and says, ‘I think we have something in common. … I’m the still photographer for the movie you’re working on.’”
Williams invited Luthin to a meeting of an early version of the Film Commission where he pointed out that the two of them were the only ones in the room working in the film industry. “Everyone else was just waiting for the phone to ring,” remembered Luthin.
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Williams was a 1959 graduate of Lanphier High School and worked as the chief photographer for the Illinois State Police. His foray into film began with “The Awakening Land,” a 1978 TV miniseries filmed primarily at the reconstructed frontier village in New Salem. Williams was asked to fill in for another photographer who was sick. He went on to take part in nearly 200 television and movie productions.
“Dean brought a piece of Hollywood to Springfield, which always remained his home,” said Richter.
Williams’ visitation will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, and from 9-11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, at Staab Funeral Home, 1109 S. Fifth St. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
