Hollywood makeup artist Dick Smith, known for his talent at turning Linda Blair into a demon in “The Exorcist” and the first makeup artist to win an Academy Award, died Wednesday at age 92.
Smith’s innovative and creative approach to his career led many to call him the “Godfather of Makeup,” which was also a reference to his skill on the set of “Godfather.” He was one of the first to use liquid foam latex and other materials to make special effects realistic.
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He also was known for his generosity in helping people, including answering letters from J.J. Abrams, a teenager at the time, about his work, and mentoring Rick Baker, a special effects artist.
Baker announced Smith’s death, USA Today said, with a statement: “The master is no longer with us, but his work will live on. There will never be another like Dick. He and his work changed the industry.”
He later tweeted:
“He took makeup to a whole new level; it's unbelievable what this man has done. His work inspired a whole generation of up and coming artists,"
Baker told The Associated Press.
Those in the Hollywood industry who worked with the makeup legend turned out online to pay him tribute, and many posts were accompanied by photos showing the eerie makeup magic at which Smith excelled.
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