The prolific filmmaker behind documentaries like "Gimme Shelter" and "The Beales of Grey Gardens" has died. 

Albert Maysles died at his Harlem home Thursday night after a battle with cancer, according to his family.  

Maysles was best known for the documentaries he made with his brother David in the 1970s.

The Maysles Brothers focused on subjects ranging from the famous to the ordinary and sometimes included iconic faces like Marlon Brando, Orson Welles and the Beatles. 

Maysles' most recent film, "Iris," about fashion icon Iris Apfel, is set to be released in April.

Just this week, the Tribeca Film Festival announced that "In Transit," a documentary that Maysles co-directed, will debut this year. 

He was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Obama in 2014.

An independent film center in Harlem is named in his honor.

Albert Maysles was 88.