Introduction to a Legendary Career
Greg Cannom, a renowned specialist in prosthetics and makeup, has passed away at the age of 73. Cannom’s impressive career was marked by numerous accolades, including four Oscar wins for his work on Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Vice.
Early Life and Career
Cannom’s journey in the film industry began when he worked with the legendary makeup artist Rick Baker. Baker recently reported Cannom’s passing on his Instagram account, stating, "His work will be remembered long after his death." Cannom’s career was not without its challenges, including a recent battle with diabetes and a staphylococcal infection that led to the amputation of one of his legs below the knee. A GoFundMe page was set up in March 2023 to support Cannom during this difficult time.
Notable Achievements
In addition to his four Oscar wins, Cannom received six more nominations for his work on Hook, Hoffa, Roommates, Titanic, Bicentennial Man, and A Beautiful Mind. He also shared an Oscar for technical achievement with Wesley Wofford in 2005 for developing a modified silicone material for makeup applications. In 2019, the Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists Guild presented Cannom with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Transforming Actors
Cannom was particularly skilled at transforming actors on screen. Some notable examples include Kevin Pollak in The Whole Ten Yards, Brad Pitt in Babel and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Russell Crowe in A Beautiful Mind, Robin Williams in Bicentennial Man, and Christian Bale as Dick Cheney in Vice.
Television and Other Work
Cannom’s work extended beyond film to television, where he landed one of his five career Emmy nominations for his work on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace. He also worked on music videos, including Michael Jackson’s iconic "Thriller" video, where he appeared as one of the vampires.
Inspiration and Legacy
Cannom’s interest in makeup and prosthetics was inspired by Dick Smith’s aging makeup on Max von Sydow in The Exorcist. He began his career working at Cypress College in Southern California and at the Knott’s Berry Farm theme park. Cannom’s remarkable film resume includes Dreamscape, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3, Big Top Pee-wee, Dick Tracy, Postcards from the Edge, and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, among many others.
Impact on the Film Industry
Cannom’s work supported seven films that were nominated for Best Picture, including Titanic, The Insider, A Beautiful Mind, Master and Commander, Babel, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Vice, with Titanic and A Beautiful Mind taking the top prize. He shared his Oscars with several other talented artists, including Michèle Burke, Matthew W. Mungle, Ve Neill, Yolanda Toussieng, Kate Biscoe, and Patricia Daney.
