Rick Baker retiring from movies

Now this is sad news. For the past few decades, Rick Baker has been the leader in special effects make-up in particular, with his work covering the likes of Star Wars, An American Werewolf In London, Videodrome, Men In Black, Gremlins 2 and even - yes! - Flesh Gordon (crikey, remember that?)

He also, of course, sprung to prominence in many people's eyes for his incredible work on the video for Michael Jackson's song, "Thriller"

Baker, though, with seven Oscars standing on his mantelpiece, has now announced his retirement, at the age of 64. He broke the news on the US radio station 89.3 KPCC, saying "I said the time is right. I am 64 years old and the business is crazy right now."

He continued, adding "I like to do things right, and they wanted cheap and fast. That is not what I want to do, so I just decided it is basically time to get out."

He's still open to the odd bit of work on screen projects, but as CG has grown, the demand for his make-up and practical work has reduced. Speaking with regards the effects-heavy Maleficent, that he worked on, he said "I could've done [Maleficent] in a garage, basically."

Over 400 pieces of Baker's work are going up for auction today. More on that, here.

A very happy retirement, Mr. Baker...

KPCC.