Dick Smith (make-up artist)

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This article is about the make-up artist. For the Australian Entrepreneur, see Dick Smith.

Dick Smith (born Richard Emerson Smith, June 26, 1922 in Larchmont, New York) is a make-up artist known for his work on such films as Little Big Man, The Godfather, The Exorcist, Taxi Driver, and Scanners. He won an Academy Award for Makeup for his work on Amadeus. He has been married to Jocelyn De Rosa since 1944, with whom he has two children.

Smith attended the Wooster School and Yale University, the latter where he studied pre-med, with the intention of entering dentistry. After reading a book on Hollywood make-up techniques, he began administering make-up for the Yale drama group, and entered the field full-time after graduation. He served as NBC's make-up director for fourteen years, pioneering in the development of latex and plastics used in quick-change applications.[1]

Smith pioneered the method of applying prosthetics made from foam latex in small pieces as opposed to the standard of applying a latex mask as one solid piece.[2] Smith's technique allowed the actor to have a wide range of facial expressions, making the makeup appear more natural. Despite initial criticism from many professional makeup artists at the time, Smith's makeup techniques proved to be superior. Today, the standard of applying prosthetics are those that Smith invented.[3]

Though many of his make-up effects were so well conceived as to go undetected, Smith's expertise gained prominence and acclaim through the variety and ingenuity of his many effects for The Exorcist. Some of his proteges have gone on to prominent success (e.g., Rick Baker), and Smith is generally considered to be the godfather of modern-day special make-up effects.

He has also published an instructional book, entitled Dick Smith's Do-It-Yourself Monster Make-up Handbook.

He only has 4 fingers on his left hand. He is missing his ring finger which he lost due to an infection from an injury. He refers to it as his "Mickey Mouse hand" He is not missing his pinky, as is commonly believed. The ring finger bones in the hand were removed to make it look more natural.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Dick Smith at the Internet Movie Database
  2. ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/23/AR2007112300444.html
  3. ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/23/AR2007112300444_2.html

[edit] External links


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