Rick Baker is a special effects master who has worked on some of the most iconic films of our generation. He is best known for his work on the Star Wars franchise, where he created the now-famous creature designs for creatures like the Wampa and the Dianoga. Baker has also worked on films like Men in Black, Planet of the Apes, and The Wolfman. He is a true artist in the field of special effects, and his work has had a lasting impact on the film industry.
Baker was born on December 8, 1950 in Binghamton, New York. When he was a child, his family would often go to the drive-in to watch horror movies. It was during these early experiences that Baker developed a love for the genre. As he grew older, he began to experiment with special effects makeup, turning his friends into monsters and zombies.
After high school, Baker attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. It was there that he met and worked with future Academy Award-winning makeup artist Dick Smith. After graduating, Baker moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Hollywood.
Career
He got his start working at Walt Disney World creating masks and makeup for characters.
Baker’s big break came in 1981 when he was hired to create the werewolf transformation effects for An American Werewolf in London. The film was a massive success, and Baker’s work was lauded by critics and audiences alike.
His work on An American Werewolf in London is considered to be his best, and it is easy to see why. The transformation scene in that film is nothing short of amazing, and it is a testament to Baker’s skill as an artist.
He won his first Oscar in 1983 for “Videodrome”, and won the award again in 1988 for “Coming to America“, and again in 1992 for “Batman Returns“. His final Oscar was in 2011 for 2011’s “The Wolfman“, a remake of the 1941 horror film.
John Landis cast him in a small role as a werewolf in 1981’s “An American Werewolf in London” for which Baker also did the makeup effects.
He worked on several films with director John Landis through the 1980s and 1990s. Baker did the makeup effects for 1984’s “Thriller” music video by Landis collaborator Michael Jackson.
He announced his retirement from film in 2015
Well known productions
- Men in black
- An American Werewolf in London
- Micheal Jakcson; Triller
- Maleficent
- Ed Wood
- Harry and the Hendersons
- Michael Jackson; Ghosts
- Star Wars
- Gremlins 2
- The Grinch
- The Haunted Mansion
Rick Baker is an incredibly talented artist who has created some of the most memorable characters and creatures in the film industry.
His work is consistently high quality and showcases his natural gift for design and creativity. If you are a fan of horror movies, it is worth your time to explore some of Rick Baker’s notable creations. You will not be disappointed.
