Rick Baker

Costume & Make-Up

Rick Baker

Born

1950-12-08 (75)

Place of birth

Binghamton, New York, USA

Known for

Costume & Make-Up

Credits

65 titles

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 Ex…

Known for

Men in Black II poster
6.4

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's untarnished mission statement – protecting Earth from the scum of the universe. It's been four years since the alien-seeking agents averted an intergalactic disaster of epic proportions. Now it's a race against the clock as Jay must convince Kay – who not only has absolutely no memory of his time spent with the MIB, but is also the only living person left with the expertise to save the galaxy – to reunite with the MIB before the earth submits to ultimate destruction.

Men in Black II

2002

Planet of the Apes poster
5.8

After a spectacular crash-landing on an uncharted planet, brash astronaut Leo Davidson finds himself trapped in a savage world where talking apes dominate the human race. Desperate to find a way home, Leo must evade the invincible gorilla army led by Ruthless General Thade.

Planet of the Apes

2001

How the Grinch Stole Christmas poster
6.8

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...

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

2000

Men in Black 3 poster
6.5

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 him as much as his wry, reticent partner. But when K's life and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that K never told him - secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K to save his partner, the agency, and the future of humankind.

Men in Black 3

2012

The Wolfman poster
5.9

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 moonlight transformation, leaves him with a savage hunger for flesh.

The Wolfman

2010

Face Off poster
7.0

In this competition/elimination series, special effects make-up artists participate in elaborate challenges for a grand prize and the honor of being Hollywood's next great effects artist.

Face Off

2011

Film credits

2020s · 7 titles

V/H/S/Halloween poster
6.2

A collection of Halloween-themed videotapes unleashes a series of twisted, blood-soaked tales, turning trick-or-treat into a struggle for survival.

V/H/S/Halloween

2025

The AGFA Mystery Mixtape Vault poster
NR

THE AGFA MYSTERY MIXTAPE VAULT is a 2-disc, 500-minute odyssey that collects eight feature-length VHS mixtapes from the crackpots at AGFA—including two that have only ever been available theatrically.

The AGFA Mystery Mixtape Vault

2020

Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist poster
NR

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).

Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist

2024

AGFA Mystery Mixtape #1 poster
8.0

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 found footage mayhem that you’ll see this week. For our kick-off tape, we’ve curated an hour-long joyride through the hallowed halls of “behind the scenes” horror. Our team has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support during these difficult times. So this is our way of saying thanks! The price is set at 99 cents, which is the lowest possible option that Vimeo offers. We want everyone to be able to enjoy this. But if you’re able to donate more to our non-profit mission, there’s also an option to pay what you want. Thank you for your continued support, and remember: “DIDN’T YOU USED TO BE SATAN?”

AGFA Mystery Mixtape #1

2020

Gremlins, an american nightmare! poster
NR

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 record, spark a parental controversy, become the first merchandising success since *Star Wars*, and lay the groundwork for satire, six years later, of that very commercial success—in a kamikaze sequel that threw its original blueprint overboard, replacing it with the most anarchic spectacle ever produced with a blockbuster’s budget. A look back at Gremlins 1 & 2, the most irreverent phenomenon of its time, as told by its director and his closest collaborators—the real parasites behind this prophetic sabotage!

Gremlins, an american nightmare!

2026

Old Time Radio: The Specter of Christmas poster
NR

Join the gang as they settle in for a holiday adventure loosely based on the seasonal classic, “T’was the Night Before Christmas”.

Old Time Radio: The Specter of Christmas

2025

No artwork available
NR

Documentary on the brief acting career of Rondo Hatton in Universal's horror movies.

The Creeper: Rondo Hatton at Universal

2020

2010s · 12 titles

Men in Black 3 poster
6.5

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 him as much as his wry, reticent partner. But when K's life and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that K never told him - secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K to save his partner, the agency, and the future of humankind.

Men in Black 3

2012

The Wolfman poster
5.9

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 moonlight transformation, leaves him with a savage hunger for flesh.

The Wolfman

2010

Creature Designers: The Frankenstein Complex poster
7.2

The Frankenstein Complex takes a historical as well as a creative perspective, with a mix of fascinating scenes behind the camera, film clips, and dozens of interviews with all the big names in the industry. In addition to the many wonderful anecdotes, the film also offers a wealth of beautiful test material, while along the way showing how the art of filmmaking has changed over the years. An affectionate ode to monster makers throughout history.

Creature Designers: The Frankenstein Complex

2015

Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film poster
6.8

Fifty years after its release, the special effects makeup team behind Planet of the Apes reflect on making the iconic film.

Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film

2019

Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr. poster
7.0

A short documentary about the classic Universal Monster actor, Lon Chaney, Jr.

Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.

2010

King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen poster
6.4

A feature-length documentary focusing on the acclaimed work and eclectic career of maverick filmmaker Larry Cohen, writer-director of "Black Caesar," "It's Alive," "God Told Me To," "Q," "The Stuff," and many more.

King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen

2018

Cult of Terror poster
6.8

A journey of years through many countries and film festivals; a nostalgic, adrenaline-fueled and rock-spirited immersion into the universe of cinephilia, in search of genre specialists, fans and filmmakers who speak of their shared passion for fantastic cinema; a whole international spiritual community united under the cathartic shadow of horror.

Cult of Terror

2017

Birth Pains poster
NR

Fun thirty-three minute documentary about the making of David Cronenberg's THE BROOD features interviews with star Samantha Eggar, executive producer Pierre David, special effects artists Rick Baker and Joe Blasco as well as assistant director John Board.

Birth Pains

2015

Keep the Gaslight Burning poster
NR

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.

Keep the Gaslight Burning

2018

Charlie Gemora: Uncredited poster
NR

A portrait of painter, sculptor, makeup artist, set designer and inventor Charlie Gemora.

Charlie Gemora: Uncredited

2016

No artwork available
5.2

This Documentary goes over how the special effects in the 1981 film "Scanners" were done.

The Scanners Way: Creating the Special Effects in 'Scanners'

2014

The Beast Inside: Creating 'Wolf' poster
7.0

Featuring brand new interviews with producer Douglas Wick, screenwriter Wesley Strick, and special effects artist Rick Baker, THE BEAST INSIDE: CREATING »WOLF« examines the making of Mike Nichols’ WOLF (1994) in all its stages from original idea to final appearance.

The Beast Inside: Creating 'Wolf'

2017

2000s · 18 titles

Men in Black II poster
6.4

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's untarnished mission statement – protecting Earth from the scum of the universe. It's been four years since the alien-seeking agents averted an intergalactic disaster of epic proportions. Now it's a race against the clock as Jay must convince Kay – who not only has absolutely no memory of his time spent with the MIB, but is also the only living person left with the expertise to save the galaxy – to reunite with the MIB before the earth submits to ultimate destruction.

Men in Black II

2002

Planet of the Apes poster
5.8

After a spectacular crash-landing on an uncharted planet, brash astronaut Leo Davidson finds himself trapped in a savage world where talking apes dominate the human race. Desperate to find a way home, Leo must evade the invincible gorilla army led by Ruthless General Thade.

Planet of the Apes

2001

How the Grinch Stole Christmas poster
6.8

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...

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

2000

Dark Reel poster
3.6

Murder, mystery and mayhem as B movie fan, Adam Waltz, wins Walk on Role in a film Featuring Scream Queen, Cassie Blue. Thinking his luck had changed for the better he steps into chaos with a killer loose and no one on the production safe.

Dark Reel

2008

The Perfect Scary Movie poster
7.7

A documentary looking at the various conventions and scare techniques of the horror genre.

The Perfect Scary Movie

2005

Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed poster
7.0

Documentary featured on the Classic Monster Collection and Monster Legacy Collection for The Mummy (1932).

Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed

2000

RKO Production 601: The Making of “Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World” poster
8.0

The astonishing story of the genesis, production, worldwide success, and legacy of King Kong (1933), directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, a landmark of cinema, one of the most influential motion pictures in history.

RKO Production 601: The Making of “Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World”

2008

Ray Harryhausen: The Early Years Collection poster
8.0

For over a half century, Ray Harryhausen has amazed and inspired countless filmmakers and fans around the world with his breathtaking motion picture effects and stop-motion animation. Presented here for the first time ever is the authorized collection of his earliest work, along with hours of supplemental features.

Ray Harryhausen: The Early Years Collection

2005

Ed Wood: Making Bela poster
7.8

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 worked on the Hungarian accent. Rick Baker, who won an Oscar for the make-up effects, discusses how he approached transforming Landau into Lugosi, and how much he wanted to do the project.

Ed Wood: Making Bela

2004

Metamorphosis of 'Men in Black' poster
5.6

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 at the pre-rendered SFX from ILM and Rick Baker. Also a look at storyboards and information about the change of the script during production.

Metamorphosis of 'Men in Black'

2000

The Sci-Fi Boys poster
7.0

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 blockbusters that have captured the world's imagination. This is the story of the Sci-Fi Boys, who started out as kids making amateur movies inspired by Forrest J Ackerman's FAMOUS MONSTERS magazine and grew up to take Hollywood by storm, inventing the art and technology for filming anything the mind can dream.

The Sci-Fi Boys

2006

Working with a Master: John Landis poster
NR

Short documentary about John Landis and his horror works.

Working with a Master: John Landis

2006

Beware the Moon: Remembering 'An American Werewolf in London' poster
6.7

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 cast and crew tell the story of how the film was made over a quarter of a century ago featuring rare footage and never before seen photos.

Beware the Moon: Remembering 'An American Werewolf in London'

2009

He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce poster
8.4

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 Mummy and countless other creatures. Rick Baker, Tom Savini, Howard Berger, Bob Burns, Scott Essman, Kim Newman, Gregory Nicotero and others discuss the work of Pierce and his enduring legacy.

He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce

2008

The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz poster
5.3

"The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz" - a featurette narrated by Sydney Pollack.

The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz

2005

Monsterland poster
6.5

A journey through time and history of diverse monster types, from the latex monster in devastated postwar Japan to aliens and serial murderers.

Monsterland

2009

Men in Black II‎: Creature Featurettes poster
7.0

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 Alien Esoterica. Produced for the “Men in Black 2” DVD.

Men in Black II‎: Creature Featurettes

2002

No artwork available
NR

Academy Award winning make-up artist Rick Baker reflects on An American Werewolf In London and The Wolfman.

I Walked with a Werewolf

2009

1990s · 9 titles

The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster poster
7.7

The history of Frankenstein's journey from novel to stage to screen to icon.

The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster

1999

She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein' poster
7.8

Documentary about the making of 1935's "The Bride of Frankenstein."

She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein'

1999

Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man' poster
7.2

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 Moonlight! explores these movies. Rick Baker explains how the make-up was done on Chaney's character. Screenwriter Curtis Siodmak took very little from earlier werewolf legends, providing his own story for some of the films. This documentary displays clips from several other movies, including "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948) and "House of Dracula" (1945).

Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man'

1999

The Road to 'Dracula' poster
7.5

A documentary from Universal about the movie "Dracula" (1931) starring Bela Lugosi.

The Road to 'Dracula'

1999

It's Alive: The True Story of Frankenstein poster
7.7

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 creature on and off the screen includes clips from Thomas Edison's 1910 filmization to Kenneth Branagh's 1994 treatment, plus interviews with Robert De Niro, Mel Brooks, Roger Corman and others. Hosted by Roger Moore; narrated by Eli Wallach.

It's Alive: The True Story of Frankenstein

1994

The Making of Men in Black poster
8.3

Behind the scenes of Men in Black (1997)

The Making of Men in Black

1997

Masters of Illusion: The Wizards of Special Effects poster
9.0

Documentary focused on the creation of movie and television special effects, hosted by Roy Scheider and Jonathan Brandis, featuring behind the scenes look at how the visual effects were created for popular films of the era.

Masters of Illusion: The Wizards of Special Effects

1994

A Tribute to the Wizard of Oz poster
4.0

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 September 12, 1998, a group of top makeup artists gathered in Studio City, CA, to pay tribute to Jack Dawn and his team from the seminal 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz.

A Tribute to the Wizard of Oz

1999

No artwork available
NR

Join "Mr. Science Fiction", Forrest J. Ackerman, on a star-studded romp through 75 years of classic sci-fi and fantasy film magic.

Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Fantasy

1991

1980s · 10 titles

Into the Night poster
6.5

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.

Into the Night

1985

Michael Jackson's Thriller poster
8.3

A night at the movies turns terrifying when Michael and his date are attacked by zombies. Released at the height of Thriller’s success, the short film redefined the music video, broke racial barriers, and became the first inducted into the U.S. National Film Registry.

Michael Jackson's Thriller

1983

The Incredible Shrinking Woman poster
5.4

After being exposed to a bizarre mixture of household chemicals, Pat Kramer begins to shrink. This baffles scientists, makes parenting difficult, warms the hearts of Americans, and captures the attention of a group of people who want to take over the world. This evil group plots to kidnap Pat and perform experiments on her so that they can eventually shrink everyone.

The Incredible Shrinking Woman

1981

No artwork available
NR

Charles Osgood hosts this hourlong CBS News TV special that was broadcast in October 1981 to coincide with Halloween. The show is themed around classic movie monsters, from the silent era through the seventies, and is filled with an assortment of film clips. Subjects touched upon during the show include the Universal horror classics, Godzilla movies, Ray Harryhausen's stop-motion animation, and dinosaur movies. The show ends with a look at legendary creatures like the Yeti, Nessie, and Bigfoot. Personalities interviewed during the show include James Warren, publisher of Famous Monsters; creature-effects master, Rick Baker; and Daniel Cohen, author of many monster books for children.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Monsters ... But Were Afraid!

1981

The Making of Captain EO poster
7.3

Documentary of the making of Michael Jackson's Captain EO film for the Disney theme parks.

The Making of Captain EO

1986

Making Michael Jackson's Thriller poster
8.6

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 a behind-the-scenes journey from pre-production to shooting on the ghoulish graveyard set of Michael Jackson's legendary music video and short film.

Making Michael Jackson's Thriller

1983

The Making of David Cronenberg's Videodrome poster
7.3

A featurette made in 1982 to promote the new film by David Cronenberg, including interviews with the cast and crew.

The Making of David Cronenberg's Videodrome

1982

Making an American Werewolf in London poster
NR

Short making of feature

Making an American Werewolf in London

1981

No artwork available
NR

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 look back at the history of King Kong in the movies.

King Kong! The Living Legend

1986

Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors poster
6.7

Actors, directors and special effects technicians are interviewed at a horror-film convention.

Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors

1986

Series credits

Face Off poster
7.0

In this competition/elimination series, special effects make-up artists participate in elaborate challenges for a grand prize and the honor of being Hollywood's next great effects artist.

Face Off

2011

DC Daily poster
6.0

Discover everything the DC Universe has to offer. DC Daily brings you the latest news, special guests, and insights from every corner of the multiverse.

DC Daily

2018

Face Off: Game Face poster
6.8

Former Face Off all-stars go head-to-head each week, with multiple make-up reveals and eliminations throughout each exciting episode. Every week, four artists will race against the clock to complete three challenges, with eliminations after every round, but only one artist will walk away with the $10,000 prize.

Face Off: Game Face

2017

Unchained Reaction poster
7.0

Unchained Reaction is a science and engineering reality game show that airs on the Discovery Channel. It is judged and executive-produced by Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, best known for hosting the science entertainment series MythBusters. Premiered on March 18, 2012, the series pits two teams of various backgrounds against each other to build an elaborate chain reaction contraption. Teams are provided with identical sets of tools and materials and are given five days to construct a series of mechanisms based on a pre-determined theme. Midway through each week, the teams are provided with a surprise "missing link" item that they must add to the middle of their machines. The winner is selected by Savage, Hyneman, and a guest judge.

Unchained Reaction

2012

No artwork available
7.7

The 100 Greatest Scary Moments is a British two-part documentary mini-series which aired on Channel 4 on 25 October and 26 October 2003. Celebrity guest interviews include Sigourney Weaver, John Carpenter, Janet Leigh, Wes Craven, Alice Cooper, Robert Englund, Christopher Lee and Steven Spielberg.

100 Greatest Scary Moments

2003