Little Big Man, The Godfather, The Exorcist, Taxi Driver, Scanners, Amadeus — the makeup and practical effects of master artist Dick Smith have made some of American cinema’s scenes, characters and stories come to life with thrilling realism and to chilling affect. Smith started out in TV, but his work in film literally created modern make-up as we know it.

I had Smith’s monster makeup kit when I was a kid and the man gave me a lifelong passion for movie monsters and the craft behind their becoming. Continuing our spooky October posts, here’s a neat little interview with Smith, discussing his storied career and sharing the secrets behind his most memorable monsters and characters.

We lost Smith earlier this year, but his movies will live forever…

Stay Awake!

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