John Stember : Gia Carangi Lived Here

John Stember was born in London and started his first photography studio at age 19.

John has lived in Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Tahiti. Most of his career was based in New York, as a successful fashion photographer.

John has photographed for every major fashion magazine in the world, including American Vogue English Vogue, French Vogue, Italian Vogue, Harpers, Bazaar, Glamour, Marie Claire, Elle, Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, Allure, Life, Photo Magazine, GQ, New York Times, LA Times plus many other journals and magazines. He has worked with most of the ‘Fortune 500’ advertising clients.

In April 2001, after a long and successful commercial career, John left New York aboard his sailboat to make the 7,000-mile voyage to Tahiti French Polynesia.

John was married to model and actress Carey Lowell from 1984 -1988. Carey then married actor Griffin Dunne 1989-1995 and actor Richard Gere 2002-2018.

John was married to model and actress Carey Lowell from 1984 -1988.
Carey later married actor Griffin Dunne 1989-1995 and actor Richard Gere 2002-2018.

Successful model turned actress, she’s best known as ADA Jamie Ross in “Law & Order” (1996–2001, 2022) and as Bond girl Pam Bouvier in the James Bond movie “License to Kill” (1989). In 1993 she had a small part as the deceased wife in “Sleepless in Seattle”.

John was married to Swedish model Charly Stember (maiden name Ingmari Gustavsson) in the early 70s. She was a successful fashion model. She was one of Revlon’s “Charlie perfume” girls along with Shelly Hack and Naomi Sims. Some people thought the fragrance was named after Charly, when in fact it was named after Charles Revson of Revlon cosmetics. Naomi Sims was the first African American woman in history to be featured in a cosmetic company’s advertising.

John Stember joined the Facebook group “Gia Marie Carangi Remembered” in January 2015. He was the most kind, gracious and generous photographer that ever visited our fan group. He would answer questions with the patience of a saint lol. He would share photos, facts and stories with the group that proved how much he cared for Gia.
John would answer private messages quickly and happily. He was very enjoyable to have around. John has YouTube videos that I have watched that showed his character. His voice is soft and mellow and his goodness and kindness shines through.
Our Gia tested him with her behavior to see if he was a Lion or a Lamb… lol Once she realized he was a lamb, she relaxed and trusted him. Being a young lioness, Gia enjoyed toying with the soft lamb, teasing and annoying him that made memories that he obviously still cherishes.
John announced to our group that he was living aboard his sailboat with his base being Tahiti, and that internet access would be spotty at best. We heard less and less from him. He is living the life we dream about. We miss you John!
~Mares Rmo