It is with great sadness for THN to report that movie make-up master Dick Smith has died aged 92 years. Smith is most known for his groundbreaking old-age make-up techniques seen in many classics such as THE EXORCIST and THE HUNGER.
In 1984 Smith earned an Oscar win for his famous old-age make-up for AMADEUS which saw him turn 44 year old F Murray Abraham into 77 year old Salieri.
An inspiration to many artists including Rick Baker and Tom Savini, Smith’s techniques are still being used by artists today. He was the pioneer is using foam latex and plastics for effects as well as transitioning make-up from black and white to colour. His most famous technique is being the stretching the skin with latex to create the illusion of wrinkles.
With a back catalogue of work including THE GODFATHER, DEATH BECOMES HER and TAXI DRIVER, his work and legacy will live on.
