Joseph M. Wilcots, the first African-American to join the International Cinematographers Guild, died at the end of last year, at age 70, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

He was best known for his work as director of photography for the groundbreaking 1977 ABC miniseries “Roots,” based on Alex Haley’s best-selling book. The finale of "Roots" still stands as the third highest rated program ever aired on TV.

–Elizabeth Jensen and Chuck Ross