Rick Baker
Richard A. Baker (born December 8, 1950) is a retired American special make-up effects creator and actor, mostly known for his creature effects and designs. Baker won the Academy Award for Best Makeup a record seven times from a record eleven nominations, beginning when he won the inaugural award for the 1981 film An American Werewolf in London.
As a teen, Baker began creating artificial body parts in his own kitchen. He also appeared briefly in the fan production The Night Turkey, a one-hour, black-and-white video parody of The Night Stalker directed by William Malone. Baker's first professional job was as an assistant to prosthetic makeup effects veteran Dick Smith on the 1973 film The Exorcist. While working on The Exorcist, Baker was hired by director Larry Cohen to design and create a mutant infant for Cohen's 1974 film It's Alive.
Baker received the inaugural Academy Award for Best Makeup for his work on An American Werewolf in London. He also created the werewolf creature Michael Jackson transforms into in the music video Thriller. Subsequently, Baker has been nominated for the Best Makeup Oscar ten more times, winning on seven occasions, both records in his field.
Baker claims that his work on Harry and the Hendersons is one of his proudest achievements.[8] On October 3, 2009, he received the Jack Pierce – Lifetime Achievement Award title of the Chiller-Eyegore Awards.[9]
He was awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Academy of Art University San Francisco in 2008. He also contributes commentaries to the web series Trailers from Hell for trailers about horror and science fiction films.
Baker received the 2485th star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 30, 2012. The star is located in front of the Guinness World Records Museum.
Baker announced his retirement on May 28, 2015: "First of all, the CG stuff definitely took away the animatronics part of what I do. It's also starting to take away the makeup part. The time is right, I am 64 years old, and the business is crazy right now. I like to do things right, and they wanted cheap and fast. That is not what I want to do, so I just decided it is basically time to get out. I would consider designing and consulting on something, but I don't think I will have a huge working studio anymore."
| Known For | Costume & Make-Up |
|---|---|
| Most Rating | 0.8716 |
| Birthday | 1950-12-08 |
| Place of Birth | Binghamton, New York, USA |
| Also Known As | Richard A. Baker, Richard Baker, |
2002
Men in Black II
6.39/10881
Kay and Jay reunite to provide our best, last and only line of defense against a sinister seductress who levels the toughest challenge yet to the MIB'...
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1999
The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster
7.727/11
The history of Frankenstein's journey from novel to stage to screen to icon.
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1999
She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein'
7.808/13
Documentary about the making of 1935's "The Bride of Frankenstein."
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She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein'
1994
It's Alive: The True Story of Frankenstein
7.667/6
Mary Shelley created a monster in 1818, and writers, actors and filmmakers haven't been able to get enough of it ever since. The history of the creatu...
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It's Alive: The True Story of Frankenstein
1985
Into the Night
6.529/341
Ed Okin used to have a boring life. He used to have trouble getting to sleep. Then one night, he met Diana. Now, Ed's having trouble staying alive.
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2017
Cult of Terror
6.8/5
A journey of years through many countries and film festivals; a nostalgic, adrenaline-fueled and rock-spirited immersion into the universe of cinephil...
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1972
The Thing with Two Heads
5/48
A rich but racist man is dying and hatches an elaborate scheme for transplanting his head onto another man's body. His health deteriorates rapidly, an...
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2010
The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth
7/1
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2000
Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed
7/13
Documentary featured on the Classic Monster Collection and Monster Legacy Collection for The Mummy (1932).
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Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed
2017
MonsterKids: The Impact of Things That Go Bump In The Night
0/0
A documentary that explores the positive fascination with Classic Monsters.
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MonsterKids: The Impact of Things That Go Bump In The Night
2006
The Sci-Fi Boys
7/12
Legendary all-stars of cinema bring to life the evolution of science-fiction and special effects films from the wild and funny days of B-movies to blo...
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2008
RKO Production 601: The Making of “Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World”
8/1
The astonishing story of the genesis, production, worldwide success, and legacy of King Kong (1933), directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoed...
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2009
Beware the Moon: Remembering 'An American Werewolf in London'
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Host Paul Davis takes a trip through some of the iconic backdrops of John Landis' 1981 werewolf classic An American Werewolf In London. The original c...
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2024
Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist
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A intimate reflection at the making of and cultural phenomenon of one of the most popular and profitable horror films ever made, The Exorcist (1973).
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1983
Making Michael Jackson's Thriller
8.625/28
Featuring interviews with director John Landis, make-up artist Rick Baker, and the King of Pop himself, Making Michael Jackson's Thriller takes you on...
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Making Michael Jackson's Thriller
1999
Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man'
7.25/10
Starting with "The Wolf Man" (in 1941), Universal Studios made five movies featuring The Wolf Man, a character portrayed by Lon Chaney, Jr. Monster by...
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Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man'
2019
Tales Beyond Madness
3/4
An omnibus of tales of horror and adventure by the master of suspense Damon Packard
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Tales Beyond Madness
2009
Monsterland
6.5/2
A journey through time and history of diverse monster types, from the latex monster in devastated postwar Japan to aliens and serial murderers.
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Monsterland
2001
Planet of the Apes
5.78/4542
After a spectacular crash-landing on an uncharted planet, brash astronaut Leo Davidson finds himself trapped in a savage world where talking apes domi...
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Planet of the Apes
2005
The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz
5.333/3
"The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz" - a featurette narrated by Sydney Pollack.
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The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz
2008
He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
8.4/5
Tribute to Universal make-up artist Jack Pierce who created some of the studio's most famous works including Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolf Man, the...
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He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
1999
The Road to 'Dracula'
7.467/15
A documentary from Universal about the movie "Dracula" (1931) starring Bela Lugosi.
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The Road to 'Dracula'
2023
Old Time Radio: Your Move
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Old Time Radio: Your Move
2010
Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.
7/1
A short documentary about the classic Universal Monster actor, Lon Chaney, Jr.
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Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.
1986
King Kong! The Living Legend
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Documentary special to promote the release of King Kong Lives, the grand opening of the King Kong attraction at Universal theme park, as well as a loo...
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King Kong! The Living Legend
1986
The Making of Captain EO
7.313/8
Documentary of the making of Michael Jackson's Captain EO film for the Disney theme parks.
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The Making of Captain EO
2004
Videodrome: Forging the New Flesh
6.667/12
Through the use of interviews (both vintage and new) with various cast and crew members, including Rick Baker, Bill Sturgeon, David Cronenberg, James...
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Videodrome: Forging the New Flesh
2015
Creature Designers: The Frankenstein Complex
7.217/30
The Frankenstein Complex takes a historical as well as a creative perspective, with a mix of fascinating scenes behind the camera, film clips, and doz...
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Creature Designers: The Frankenstein Complex
1977
The Kentucky Fried Movie
6.202/371
A series of loosely connected skits that spoof news programs, commercials, porno films, kung-fu films, disaster films, blaxploitation films, spy films...
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2014
The Scanners Way: Creating the Special Effects in 'Scanners'
5.2/4
This Documentary goes over how the special effects in the 1981 film "Scanners" were done.
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2016
Charlie Gemora: Uncredited
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A portrait of painter, sculptor, makeup artist, set designer and inventor Charlie Gemora.
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Charlie Gemora: Uncredited
2006
Teddy Scares
5/1
Cyrus annoys all his companions with his new friend Toasty the toaster, so they decide to get rid of it.
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2009
I Walked with a Werewolf
0/0
Academy Award winning make-up artist Rick Baker reflects on An American Werewolf In London and The Wolfman.
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I Walked with a Werewolf
2019
Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film
6.8/12
Fifty years after its release, the special effects makeup team behind Planet of the Apes reflect on making the iconic film.
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2018
King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen
6.4/20
A feature-length documentary focusing on the acclaimed work and eclectic career of maverick filmmaker Larry Cohen, writer-director of "Black Caesar,"...
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1986
Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors
6.714/7
Actors, directors and special effects technicians are interviewed at a horror-film convention.
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Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors
2000
Metamorphosis of 'Men in Black'
5.6/5
An in-depth look into the creation of the special effects for the film Men in Black (1997). Various interviews with the cast and filmmakers and a look...
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Metamorphosis of 'Men in Black'
1976
King Kong
6.293/949
An oil company expedition disturbs the peace of a giant ape and brings him back to New York to exploit him.
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1983
Michael Jackson's Thriller
8.254/798
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2017
The Beast Inside: Creating 'Wolf'
7/1
Featuring brand new interviews with producer Douglas Wick, screenwriter Wesley Strick, and special effects artist Rick Baker, THE BEAST INSIDE: CREATI...
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The Beast Inside: Creating 'Wolf'
2015
Birth Pains
0/0
Fun thirty-three minute documentary about the making of David Cronenberg's THE BROOD features interviews with star Samantha Eggar, executive producer...
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Birth Pains
1981
The Incredible Shrinking Woman
5.4/124
After being exposed to a bizarre mixture of household chemicals, Pat Kramer begins to shrink. This baffles scientists, makes parenting difficult, warm...
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The Incredible Shrinking Woman
2012
Men in Black 3
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Agents J and K are back...in time. J has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men in Black, but nothing, not even aliens, perplexes...
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2018
Keep the Gaslight Burning
0/0
Mrs Maxwell has killed her abusive husband but he won't stay dead and can only be kept at bay if she keeps the gaslight burning.
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Keep the Gaslight Burning
1982
The Making of David Cronenberg's Videodrome
7.3/3
A featurette made in 1982 to promote the new film by David Cronenberg, including interviews with the cast and crew.
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The Making of David Cronenberg's Videodrome
1999
A Tribute to the Wizard of Oz
4/1
A tribute to the characters and makeup artists from the Wizard of Oz, as performed and created by some of the top makeup people in Hollywood. On Septe...
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A Tribute to the Wizard of Oz
2013
House of Wax: Unlike Anything You've Seen Before!
0/0
Documentary on the making and impact of "House of Wax".
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House of Wax: Unlike Anything You've Seen Before!
2004
Ed Wood: Making Bela
7.8/4
Martin Landau talks about how he portrayed Bela Lugosi in the movie. He mentions the similarities between Lugosi and his own career, and how he worke...
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Ed Wood: Making Bela
2002
Rick Baker: Alien Maker
0/0
The documentary looks at Rick Baker as he works on the alien design and creation for MIIB. Describing himself as part of 'the first generation that gr...
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1997
The Making of Men in Black
8.3/9
Behind the scenes of Men in Black (1997)
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The Making of Men in Black
2020
AGFA Mystery Mixtape #1
8/1
Unleashed from the video vaults of the American Genre Film Archive (AGFA), AGFA MYSTERY MIXTAPE #1 is a brand new compilation of the most electrifying...
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2006
Working with a Master: John Landis
0/0
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2005
The Perfect Scary Movie
7.667/3
A documentary looking at the various conventions and scare techniques of the horror genre.
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The Perfect Scary Movie
2000
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
6.78/8442
The Grinch decides to rob Whoville of Christmas - but a dash of kindness from little Cindy Lou Who and her family may be enough to melt his heart...
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Old Time Radio: Dance With Me
0/0
During an evening of dancing and dining, two elderly Casanovas, well past their prime (and their lives for that matter) duel for the attention of Mild...
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Old Time Radio: Dance With Me
2010
The Wolfman
5.899/2241
Lawrence Talbot, an American man on a visit to Victorian London to make amends with his estranged father, gets bitten by a werewolf and, after a moonl...
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1994
Masters of Illusion: The Wizards of Special Effects
9/1
Documentary focused on the creation of movie and television special effects, hosted by Roy Scheider and Jonathan Brandis, featuring behind the scenes...
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Masters of Illusion: The Wizards of Special Effects
2020
The AGFA Mystery Mixtape Vault
0/0
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2025
V/H/S/Halloween
6.235/240
A collection of Halloween-themed videotapes unleashes a series of twisted, blood-soaked tales, turning trick-or-treat into a struggle for survival.
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V/H/S/Halloween
2005
Ray Harryhausen: The Early Years Collection
8/3
For over a half century, Ray Harryhausen has amazed and inspired countless filmmakers and fans around the world with his breathtaking motion picture e...
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2025
Old Time Radio: The Specter of Christmas
0/0
Join the gang as they settle in for a holiday adventure loosely based on the seasonal classic, “T’was the Night Before Christmas”.
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Old Time Radio: The Specter of Christmas
1973
The Night Turkey
0/0
Spoof of the TV Movie 'Kolchak: The Night Stalker", shot in 1972 by Director William Malone ("House on Haunted Hill", "Creature") and his friends, on...
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The Night Turkey
2002
Men in Black II: Creature Featurettes
7/1
A look at Rick Baker’s various MIIB creatures including Serleena, Frank the Pug, Scrad / Charlie, Jeebs, The Worm Guys, Jarra, Jeff the Worm, and Alie...
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Men in Black II: Creature Featurettes
2020
The Creeper: Rondo Hatton at Universal
0/0
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The Creeper: Rondo Hatton at Universal
2026
Gremlins, an american nightmare!
0/0
1984. Produced by Steven Spielberg, fresh off the historic success of E.T., a film that blended horror and comedy managed to break Warner’s box-office...
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1981
Making an American Werewolf in London
0/0
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Making an American Werewolf in London
1991
Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Fantasy
0/0
Join "Mr. Science Fiction", Forrest J. Ackerman, on a star-studded romp through 75 years of classic sci-fi and fantasy film magic.
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