Make-up effects artist Bill Basso, best known for his work as part of Stan Winston’s studio, has passed away at the age of 60, it is our sad duty to report.
Beginning his career effects career in 1989, Basso worked first as part of the K.N.B Effects Group, providing make-up effects on Tremors and Re-Animator 2. In 1990, Bill would land a post at the Stan Winston Group and help provide make-up for some of Hollywood’s biggest projects at the time.
Among his credits are 1991’s Terminator 2: Judgement Day, 1993’s Jurassic Park and 1999’s Lake Placid. Specialising in puppet work, Basso also lent his talents to Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, Predator 2, and Small Soldiers.
Despite working on some of Hollywood’s most ambitious projects throughout the 90s, Bill opted to withdraw from the industry following his work on 2002’s Reign of Fire. For the remainder of his life, Basso dedicated his time to artwork, becoming a prolific and much lauded mixed media artist.
In a statement posted to Basso’s Instagram, his family have explained that he died of an unexpected heart ailment and emphasised that his art is his legacy, one they will continue to share whenever possible.
A great loss to both the film industry and the art world, we hope Bill rests easy.
