Who Is Halyna Hutchins? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on April 9, 1979, Halyna Hutchins was a prominent Ukrainian cinematographer whose life was tragically cut short on October 21, 2021. She passed away at the age of 42 following an accident on the set of the film "Rust." Halyna's artistic talent and visionary approach to cinematography earned her numerous accolades in the film industry, making her a beloved figure among colleagues and fans alike. Her legacy as a pioneering woman in a predominantly male-dominated field continues to inspire budding filmmakers and cinematographers around the world.
| Occupation | Cinematographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1979 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Horodets, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now Ukraine) |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Ukraine |
| Date of death | 21 October, 2021 |
| Died Place | Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
Popularity
Halyna Hutchins's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although exact measurements are often private, Halyna Hutchins was known to stand at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. With a slender build, her weight was around 130 lbs (59 kg). Halyna's striking features and captivating presence not only made her a respected professional but also a memorable personality during her public appearances and film festivals.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Halyna Hutchins was married to Matthew Hutchins, and together they had a son, Andros. After her tragic passing, Matthew has been an advocate for gun safety on film sets, emphasizing the need for change in industry practices to prevent future tragedies. While her private life remained largely out of the public eye, her family supported her passion for filmmaking, encouraging her pursuits throughout her life. Halyna's strong bond with her family was evident, as they were known to attend film premieres and industry events together.
She grew up in the Russian city of Murmansk, on a Soviet military base in the Arctic. There, her father served in the Soviet Navy. She called herself an "army brat". According to film historian Jim Hemphill, she first became interested in film while living at the military base.
She attended National Agricultural University and then Kyiv National University, first studying economics before changing her study to journalism. Hutchins graduated with a degree in international journalism and worked on documentary films as an investigative journalist in Eastern Europe.
She met her husband Matthew, who is American, while in the US. They had a son, Andros. Though living in the US, she maintained her Ukrainian citizenship, remained proud of her heritage, and often returned to visit.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Halyna Hutchins' estimated net worth is around $2 million. Her earnings were primarily derived from her work as a cinematographer on various film and television projects. She gained recognition through her contributions to acclaimed films and was recognized with nominations and awards, adding to her financial success in the industry. Her commitment to excellence in cinematography set a benchmark for aspiring cinematographers.
Career, Business and Investments
Halyna began her career in the film industry after studying journalism and international relations. She transitioned to cinematography, gaining experience on numerous film sets that showcased her exceptional talent. Halyna's work on films such as "Archenemy" and "Darcy" highlighted her unique style and ability to manipulate light to convey emotion. Following her untimely death, her contributions were celebrated, and many projects were dedicated to her memory, sparking conversations about safety and ethics in filmmaking.
Hutchins was a member of the International Cinematographers Guild and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, labor unions that represent entertainment industry's crew and technical workers in the US and Canada. She supported the IATSE strike over working conditions days before her death.
Social Network
Halyna Hutchins was active on social media, primarily using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to share her experiences, insights, and professional accomplishments with her followers. Through her accounts, she fostered a community of aspiring filmmakers and cinematographers, often engaging with fans and industry colleagues, highlighting women in film, and advocating for safety on set. Her passion for storytelling resonated within her online presence, cementing her legacy in the digital space.
An authorized documentary Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna directed by her close friend and collaborator Rachel Mason, and executive produced by Matthew Hutchins, produced by Story Syndicate, was released in March 2025, on Hulu.
Education
Halyna received her education at the National University of Theatre and Film in Kyiv, Ukraine, where she studied journalism and later pursued a Master's degree in cinematography. This academic background equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in her field. Halyna's commitment to lifelong learning and her innovative approach played a significant role in her growth as a cinematographer, and she often credited her education as fundamental to her success.
Hutchins moved to Los Angeles to focus on filmmaking, taking on roles in production and fashion photography. She was an associate producer for World's Tallest Man, a 2006 film about Leonid Stadnyk by Wild Pictures; the film was premiered on the Discovery Channel. In 2010, she graduated from UCLA TFT Professional Program in Producing.
In Los Angeles, she met Bob Primes, a cinematographer. He encouraged Hutchins to apply to the American Film Institute Conservatory, where he was a teacher. She was accepted and began studying there in 2013 for a two-year master's program, which she graduated from in 2015. mentored her there.
Her thesis project, Hidden, made with director Rayan Farzad, was screened at the LA Shorts Fest, Camerimage International Film Festival, AFI Fest and the Austin Film Festival.
