Horror fans around the world were hit with an unwelcome scare last Friday when it was reported that horror legend Tom Savini was involved in an electrical fire that ravaged his family home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Thankfully, Savini and his wife escaped unharmed, though the same can’t be said for the couple’s beloved cats, Max and Bruce.
The house had been in Savini’s family for nearly a century now, with the multi-talented actor, director and effects artist having lived there as a child before later using it as a headquarters for his effects work and extensive horror collection (which includes irreplaceable props and artifacts from several eras of film history).
That’s why the fire wasn’t just a huge blow for Savini himself, but for the horror community as a whole.
There is a Silver Lining to the situation, however, as effects artist Jason Baker has started a GoFundMe campaign meant to help the 80-year-old Savini and his family get through this troubling time without breaking the bank with temporary housing, cleanup costs and the replacement of personal belongings.
The fire also destroyed many priceless pieces of Tom’s life and history, including family heirlooms brought over from Italy and iconic props from Tom’s illustrious career.
Baker writes, “The damage was severe. Thankfully, Tom and his wife were not injured, but their two beloved cats, Max and Bruce, were tragically killed. This was not just a house—it has been Tom’s home base for 80 years, and it has been in Tom’s family for almost a century. For Tom, this loss is deeply personal and far beyond the damage to the building itself. This is a traumatic situation for anyone to endure at any age. It has been especially difficult for Tom being a senior citizen 80 years old.”
The campaign is currently a fifth of the way through its $50,000 goal and can be accessed through this link.
Our thoughts go out to Tom Savini and his family at this difficult time. Please consider lending a hand and helping out if you’re able.
“Every act of kindness will mean so much,” Baker notes in the fundraiser. “Thank you for keeping Tom, Tom’s wife, and the memory of Max and Bruce in your thoughts.”