Don Ornitz (1920-1972) was born in New York City, but spent most of his life in California. He photographed many celebrities, including Raquel Welch, Frank Sinatra, Walt Disney, and Audrey Hepburn. He was also a photographer for several magazines, including Playboy, Look, Pageant and Globe.

According to Jimmy McDonough, the author of Big Bosoms and Square Jaws: The Biography of Russ Meyer, King of the Sex Film, it was Ornitz, a war buddy of Meyer’s, who encouraged Meyer to take up “cheesecake” photography in 1950.

Like many members of the entertainment community, Ornitz was called before the House Un-American Activities Committee.