Bloody Disgusting is deeply saddened to learn that special makeup effects artist Screaming Mad George, the legend behind the infamous “shunting” from Society, has passed away at 69 years old.
After grieving in private, his family announced on social media that the artist passed on February 10.
“We understand that learning of this loss so long after his passing may come as a profound shock. Please know that this time was kept quiet until now as a deeply personal choice to allow our family the necessary time and space to process the shock, heal, and hold space in complete privacy, in the wake of overwhelming grief, as he would have wished. We had to find our footing before stepping into the public eye. We appreciate your understanding and respect for our privacy during this time,” the post reads.
The family statement continues, “We invite you now to celebrate the legacy of Screaming Mad George – the internationally acclaimed special makeup artist, creature and effects designer, filmmaker, musician, educator, and artist.”
“As an artist, Screaming Mad George possessed a singular vision and an extraordinary imagination, creating worlds unlike any others,” the statement goes on to say. “Yet behind his larger-than-life artistic presence was a man who was cheerful, approachable, warm-hearted, and deeply compassionate. Though often described as a genius, he was equally defined by his tireless work ethic, humility, and generosity of spirit. Those who met him were often struck not only by his talent, but by his authenticity and kindness.”
Born in Osaka in 1956, Screaming Mad George moved to New York at 18 to pursue a career as a painter. It was there that the multihyphenate talent formed punk rock band THE MAD and taught himself special makeup effects to enhance the band’s performance and theatricality.
That would lead him to film, where the artist was mentored by SFX titan Rick Baker and would later work for Stan Winston Studios.
Screaming Mad George, real name Joji Tani, quickly developed a reputation for the surreal. In addition to delivering one of horror’s wildest sequences from Society, the artist is also responsible for that gnarly cockroach kill from A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: Dream Master, the Lovecraftian gorefest of Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest, the creature-effect heavy Guyver adaptation, raucous sideshow comedy Freaked, and so much more.
George was also a frequent collaborator with Brian Yuzna, working on Bride of Re-Animator, Return of the Living Dead III, and more.
His contributions to horror are immeasurable, and this loss is deeply felt. We send our deepest condolences to Screaming Mad George’s family, friends, and many fans.
Screaming Mad George is survived by his wife Miki and their daughter Alice.
