JACK PIERCE: Hollywood's Makeup Master

by Christopher Lock

JACK PIERCE. The name is not familiar to most. But for enthusiasts of movie monsters and the Golden Age of Hollywood, Pierce is a legend. He was the designer and applier of the most famous horror movie makeup of the silver screen. So iconic is his ‘Frankenstein monster’ maquillage of a flat head, neck bolts, and forehead laceration that it was copyrighted by Universal Pictures where he worked for 20 years. A proud and meticulous artist, Jack Pierce was a Greek immigrant who stumbled upon the fledgling movie industry by chance, only to emerge as one of Hollywood’s most creative and influential makeup artists. Unlike most technicians behind the camera, Pierce became a semi-celebrity who often appeared in newspapers and periodicals. Despite his genius and dedication, Pierce was known to be both stubborn and narcissistic by the producers and directors he worked for, and the actors and actresses he worked on. This book presents a comprehensive and unique insight into the background, psyche, and motivations of Jack P. Pierce; from his childhood in Greece to his immigration to America, his career rationales, his psychological instincts, his rise to fame and recognition, and his eternal legacy. But more than simply a focus on Pierce himself, this book also provides an inclusive exploration into the Golden Age of Hollywood and theatrical makeup. It presents an insight into the films Pierce worked on, as well as the producers, directors, performers, and technical colleagues who worked alongside him throughout his career. In many ways, Pierce was the real ‘Dr. Frankenstein’, researching the design of his characters, utilizing the materials around him, ‘operating’ on the performers in his makeup chair, and bringing to life the most famous creatures of horror the world has ever known. And while most generations may not recognize the name of Jack Pierce, they most certainly recognize his makeup masterpieces that have endured for nearly 100 years. This is the only personal and professional memoire of Jack Pierce available anywhere, whose royalty profits will go towards his future Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Large 8x10 book, covers 332 pages, and contains 350+ photos and graphics.

Paperback

Published July 27, 2022

Reviews

[Jaq Greenspon]

This is a great, well-researched 200-page book...Unfortunately, it's 337 pages long. This is a shame because you can see the glimmers of a really good book peeking through. Sadly, because the research is rather in-depth, the author decided to include it all instead of focusing and using judicious edits.

Ultimately, while you do learn a lot about the life of Jack Pierce, it reads more like an encyclopedia entry rather than a gripping biographical narrative.