In the world of movie makeup magic, one name stands out as a true trailblazer: Dick Smith, the renowned American special makeup effects artist whose transformative work left an indelible mark on the film industry. From his chance encounter with the book “Paint, Powder and Makeup” at the library to his groundbreaking achievements in prosthetics, Smith’s career journey was nothing short of extraordinary.
Richard Emerson Smith, known professionally as Dick Smith, was a pre-med student at Yale when he stumbled upon “Paint, Powder and Makeup,” a book that would alter the course of his life forever. Inspired by the art of transforming actors through makeup, he decided to abandon dentistry and pursue a career in the world of special effects makeup.
His journey began at WNBC-TV in 1945, where he served as the Department Head of Makeup until 1959. It was during this time that Smith honed his craft and reimagined the possibilities of prosthetics, pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved with makeup in the world of cinema.
Working out of his basement workshop in Larchmont, New York, Smith delved deep into experimentation with materials, going beyond traditional full-face masks. He pioneered the use of multiple overlapping foam latex pieces, a technique that allowed actors greater flexibility in facial expressions, leading to unprecedented realism in movie makeup.
Dick Smith’s genius was perhaps best showcased in his realistic aging makeup, a skill that earned him widespread acclaim. Notably, his work on Dustin Hoffman’s transformation as Jack Crabb in “Little Big Man” (1970) and F. Murray Abraham’s metamorphosis into Antonio Salieri in “Amadeus” (1984) earned him an Academy Award, which he shared with Paul LeBlanc.
In 2011, the film industry paid tribute to Dick Smith’s remarkable contributions by awarding him an Academy Honorary Award “for his unparalleled mastery of texture, shade, form, and illusion.” His legacy continues to inspire and shape the world of special effects makeup.
To honor the iconic makeup artist’s work on Marlon Brando’s unforgettable transformation in “The Godfather” (1972), a special screening series is being hosted in conjunction with the gallery exhibition, “The Art of Moviemaking: The Godfather.” The exhibition, featuring some of Smith’s greatest achievements in movie makeup, will be open for viewing until January 5, 2025.
Dick Smith’s transformative mastery has left an enduring impact on the art of moviemaking. From his revolutionary techniques to his groundbreaking achievements, his legacy will forever be etched in the annals of film history.
