Screaming Mad George, Influential Practical Effects Artist, Has Died

Overview

• His family posted on social media this week saying he died earlier this year and that they kept the loss private so they could grieve away from the public eye.
• Born Joji Tani in Osaka in 1956, he moved to New York as a young man, formed the punk band THE MAD, and taught himself special makeup effects to enhance his performances.
• He built a reputation for surreal, physical creature and gore effects in films such as Society, A Nightmare on Elm Street 4, Bride of Re-Animator, and Return of the Living Dead III.
• Tani was mentored by Rick Baker, later worked with Stan Winston Studios, ran his own effects shop and trained a new generation of practical-effects artists.
• Coverage has focused on tributes to his influence and distinct style, with some outlets reporting medical details from representatives while the family’s post emphasized privacy and gave no cause of death.