Bloody Disgusting have today reported the sad news that special effects artist Bill Basso, born William Anthony Basso, Jr., passed away on May 4, 2023 at the age of 60.
Basso’s impressive legacy of work can be seen throughout the horror genre including Tremors, Bride of Re-Animator, Edward Scissorhands, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Batman Returns, Jurassic Park, Interview with the Vampire, Congo, The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Relic, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Creature, Lake Placid, Inspector Gadget, Lost Souls, and Reign of Fire. He also worked as part of the special effects makeup crew for Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, as well as providing puppeteer work on Predator 2, Jurassic Park 1 & 2, Congo, and Small Soldiers.
Basso’s obituary reads: “William Anthony Basso Jr. was a sculptor, painter, and special effects makeup artist. He was born on December 8, 1962, in Manalapan, and attended Christian Brothers Academy for high school and Parsons School of Design for college,”
Actor Frank Dietz, who worked with Bill on the 1988 hair-metal horror Black Roses, shared his condolences on Instagram:
“I heard the terrible news this morning that the amazing makeup artist Bill Basso has died. I am just shocked. Bill was so talented, and a super nice guy. He created the incredible makeup I wore in the opening sequence of Black Roses, but of course worked on many, many other cool movies. I am so sorry for his friends and family.”
Basso is survived by his mother, Marie Basso, his brother James Basso, his sister-in-law Wei Basso, his sister Marie Louise Basso, his niece Emma Basso, his nephew Thomas Basso, his nephew Marco D’Agostino, and his nephew Stefano D’Agostino.
All of us at FANGORIA would like to extend our condolences to Bill’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.
