Who is Joe Epperson? All about Full House and Tonight Show camera operator as he dies at 80

Joe Epperson, the camera operator who worked on Full House and The Tonight Show, has died at age 80. Epperson died of cardiac arrest on June 28, 2025, at Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. His wife of almost six decades, Patty Epperson, confirmed his death, adding that he had been in the hospital since late April after his appendix burst.

Over a career of more than four decades, Epperson left his mark on the television industry by working as a camera operator in several beloved TV shows and live events.

Joe Epperson’s television career took off in the mid 1970s, when he had just moved to Los Angeles. According to IMDb, he produced the landmark CBS sitcom All in the Family from 1975 to 1979 and stayed on the Norman Lear show’s spinoff The Jeffersons until 1982.

He started working on the Full House series in 1987 for ABC, as a camera operator for all eight seasons until it concluded in 1995. Eventually he shifted his interest towards live events and worked on The Tonight Show in 1992. Epperson’s arrival came during a transitional period when Jay Leno took over as host.

Epperson and that late night institution would remain together for well over 15 years. Epperson's legacy extended beyond sitcoms and talk shows, as he worked on live concerts and televised specials, too.

A look into Joe Epperson early career and other collaborations

Joe Epperson was born on February 9, 1945 in Camden, New Jersey, but was raised in Berea, Ohio. His father, Joseph Sr., was one of the first television engineers in Cleveland and worked on significant broadcasts such as the 1948 World Series (The Hollywood Reporter). Influenced by his surroundings, Epperson attended Ohio University and served in the US Army from 1966 to 1969.

In addition to his film work, Epperson’s other TV credits included stints on series such as Fernwood Tonight, Family Ties, Webster, Married… With Children, American Idol, The X Factor and dozens of others. He also manned the cameras during Oscar red carpets and the annual Rose Parade.

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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Joe Epperson also curated concert specials with entertainment greats including Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Glen Campbell and Whitney Houston. Among his many Emmy nominations are specials with Rod Stewart and Sheena Easton, and one with Cher.

Joe Epperson moved back to his hometown of Berea in 2000 and got involved with the local historical society. He is also survived by his wife Patty, daughters Amanda and Rebecca and his grandchildren Jaquelyn, Kirsten, Isabella and Joseph.

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