Stan Winston, dead at 62; Oscar-winning visual effects artist suffered from multiple myeloma

Stan Winston, an Oscar-winning visual effects artist, has died at age 62.

Winston died at his Malibu home Sunday evening after a seven-year struggle with multiple myeloma, according to a rep from Stan Winston Studio.

"Stan died peacefully at home surrounded by family," a spokeswoman said.

Winston won four  visual effects Oscars and earned multiple nominations. His first Oscar was for James Cameron's "Aliens" (1986). Winston later won two Oscars for "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1992) (visual effects and makeup) and 1993's "Jurassic Park." (See Stan Winston's Creature Features, by LAT's Patrick Kevin Day.)

Phil Tippett, who shared a visual effects Oscar with Winston on "Jurassic Park," noted that Winston was one of the best in the business.

"Stan contributed to some of the greatest -- fantastic movie characters in motion picture history," Tippett said. "His loss is a great one and he will be missed."

Producer Gale Ann Hurd, whose latest blockbuster "The Incredible Hulk" opened this weekend, wrote in an email to the Los Angeles Times:

I was first introduced to Stan in the early 1980s by his mentor, the great make-up artist, Dick Smith. Jim Cameron and I had initially approached Dick to create the Terminator.  Dick wanted us to meet Stan Winston, his protégé, and convinced us that he was doing us a favor by turning us down. Dick was right. Stan’s unique ability was to bring unique, non-human characters to life, so that the audience accepted them as living, breathing beings. Stan was also, simply put, the nicest man in the business. Not only was he a legend, redefining character make-up and armatures, but Stan’s joie de vivre made collaborating with him an absolute pleasure. I will miss him more than I can say. My heartfelt sympathy to his loving family, Karen, Matt and Debbie.

In lieu of flowers, Winston's family is requesting that donations be made to his charities of choice.

After the jump, see the official statement from Stan Winston Studio, and a list of charities.

-- Sheigh Crabtree

Photo: Courtesy Stan Winston Studio.

STAN WINSTON STUDIO RELEASE:

Academy Award-winning makeup, creature and visual effects artist Stan Winston died Sunday at his home in Malibu, California, after a prolonged illness. He was 62.

In a career that spanned four decades, Winston worked extensively in television and motion pictures, producing innovative work that was often honored for its artistic and technical achievement. In the early years of his career, during which he worked primarily in television, Winston earned five Emmy nominations from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, winning for Gargoyles and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.

Winston won his first Academy Award nomination in 1981 for Heartbeeps, and received another nine nominations – in both makeup and visual effects categories – over the next 20 years. He won a total of four Oscars for Aliens, Terminator 2: Judgment Day and the groundbreaking Jurassic Park for which he created full-scale animatronic dinosaurs.

Winston received his star on Hollywood ’s Walk of Fame in 2001.

Current releases from Stan Winston Studio include summer hits IRON MAN and INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. 

Upcoming projects include  SHUTTER ISLAND, TERMINATOR 4, G.I. JOE, and James Cameron’s AVATAR. Winston was both collaborator and friend to giants in the film community.

[Winston Studio plans to later release quotes from Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Tim Burton, et cetera.]

Winston was born April 7, 1946 in Arlington, Virginia. As a child, he enjoyed drawing, puppetry and classic horror films. He continued to pursue his interest in art and performance as a student at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, graduating from the institution’s Fine Arts and Drama programs in 1968. He headed West after graduation with dreams of becoming an actor, but found his true calling as a makeup artist and creator of characters – a career that enabled him to merge his sensibilities as an artist and performer.

After completing a three-year makeup apprenticeship program at Walt Disney Studios in 1972, Winston established Stan Winston Studio in the garage of the small house in Northridge he shared with his wife, Karen, and his young son, Matthew and daughter Debbie. The studio changed locations and grew in size, personnel and stature as his career advanced with work in high-profile films such as The Terminator, Predator, Edward Scissorhands, Interview with the Vampire, Lost World, Batman Returns, and A.I.: Artificial Intelligence.

Stan Winston Studio contributed characters and effects to more than 75 feature films, several music videos, and countless commercial spots. In 1988, Winston directed his first feature film, Pumpkinhead, a cult favorite. Winston also produced a series of horror films for HBO, as well as a number of genre feature films, and created a line of high-end toys based on some of his studio’s iconic characters.

Throughout his career, Winston was a tireless advocate for the makeup and creature effects community. He campaigned for the creation of a makeup effects category for the Academy Awards, and he is credited with securing greater recognition overall for makeup and creature effects artists.

At the time of his death, Winston was in the process of morphing his physical makeup and effects studio into the new “Winston Effects Group” with the team of senior effects supervisors heading up the new company. Managing the new company as partners and owners are veteran effects supervisors John Rosengrant, Shane Mahan, Alan Scott and Lindsay Macgowan.

In addition to his professional achievements, Winston was a gifted artist who particularly enjoyed sculpting fine art pieces; however, he rejected the notion that there was a significant difference between ‘fine’ art and the ‘commercial’ art for which his studio was famous.

 “For Stan, the measure of his work was never in the techniques and technology employed and pioneered at his studio,” said Don Shay, publisher of Cinefex Magazine and a key chronicler of Winston’s career.

“He was a ‘character creator,’ as he liked to be called, and artistry was his only benchmark. Stan Winston will always be remembered as the man who transformed Arnold Schwarzenegger into the Terminator and who built a full-size robotic T-rex for Jurassic Park. But he was more than the sum of his greatest achievements.  He was a devoted family man, a beloved patriarch to his stable of artists, and a master artist and sculptor in his own right.”

 Stan died peacefully at home surrounded by family Sunday evening. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. He is survived by his wife, Karen, son Matt, daughter Debbie, daughter-in-law Amy, son-in-law Erich, 4 beautiful grandchildren Rowan, Wyatt, Georgia, and Pheona, and brother Ronnie Winston. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the following charitable organizations:

Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research

9201 W. Sunset Blvd. Ste 300

West Hollywood, CA 90069

Free Arts for Abused Children

12095 W. Washington Blvd. #104

Los Angeles, CA 90066

 

United States Fund for UNICEF

333 East 38^th Street

NY, NY 10016

 

All photos courtesy Stan Winston Studio.

Comments

[Richard Huffman]

Aww. Stan Winston was a genius. He will be missed.

[Julia Danes]

A very sad day.

RIP Mr Winston, thank you for the great memories.

[Jennifer Lynn]

I am just in total shock right now. I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Winston at the San Diego Comic Con last year. He was a total genius to the world of cinema and he will be missed

[O. Amaro]

For us movie sci-fi fans, this is huge loss as well I'm sure it is to the entertainment/special effects industry. Mr. Winston will easily stand among the greats such as [Willis] O'Brien and Harryhausen and his skill in designing and building Hollywood's most memorable creatures was incomparable.

He always seemed to be a child at heart. 62 is too darn young and he will be missed.

[Robert Monaghan]

Was an employee at his studio. It was an unbelieveably cool place to work at.
He will be missed.

bob..

[Jim Ryan]

A sad day indeed. The fact that the three pictures mentioned make up less than 10% of his total credited output doesn't even begin to consider the bredth of his contributions to cinema. And let's not forget the number of craftspeople who learned from him as they went on to other projects. Yes, this is indeed a big loss.

[Nnanna Kalu]

OMG. I don't believe what I'm reading! Stan's gone? He was truly a pioneer in cutting-edge visual effects and animatronics and yes he most sincerely will be miised as he is irreplaceable. My thoughts and prayers are with the Winston family-personal and professional-in their time of grief. Rest in peace,Stan. Your star will continue to burn brightly in the hearts and minds of all of us!

Nnanna K

[Phil Lewis]

Stan was such a fantastic hero of mine.
He will be sadly missed......

[John Marchant]

Truely a very sad day, but what a legacy he leaves behind.

My Heart goes out to his family at this sad time.

Regards, John

[John Martin]

My condolences Matt. MCP '86

[Kai Bovaird]

Mr Winston. has been an influential artist in our industry for many years. I am saddened by his loss. His work has inspired my drive for creative excellence.

Be at peace Stan.

Aloha....

[David Bruno]

I am really at a loss for words here. I grew up on Stan Winston films. In fact, and I never really put it together, but most of my all-time favorite films are Stan Winston films: Aliens, Predator, Monster Squad, Pumpkinhead and of course The Thing. I can only say thank you Stan for the wonderful memories, the scares, frights, hopes and dreams that you have given us all. You will certainly be missed. And now it is time for you to head off to the great big creature effect shop in the sky.

[Jamie Cross]

Has always been an inspiration to me and my artwork.Rest in peace Stan Winston.

[aaron]

may he rest in peace. god bless from all your irish fans

[Jim S]

This is sad news indeed. Stan gave me one of my first jobs upon my arrival in Hollywood from Wisconsin in 1980. He was not only a great artist, but a good friend and a terrific mentor. He will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues...

[Adam]

A truly sad day. I choked up when I read the news. I cherish the time I spent talking with him at a Jazz club in NYC years ago as he remains one of the most influential people i have ever known to affect my life. He will never be forgotten.

[ben boston]

I can't overstate how much of an influence Stan has been to me over the years, in life and art. Condolences to his family; a sad loss of a true pioneer.

[Andrew Schwartz]

The one who inspired me to make anything I could imagine a reality.

A Hero
A Mentor
A Friend

Truly Blessed
Andrew Schwartz

[SBroggie]

The master is gone. A genuine bummer. My condolences to his family.

[Andrew Meyers]

I worked for Stan and will miss him very much, My heart and prayers go's out to Stan's family.
He was a mentor and a friend to me and the Best F/X artest in the industy.
I will miss you Stan,
Andrew Meyers

[Laura Kelly]

My heart continues to sink. You will be greatly missed. I wish I could have one more wonderful hug from you. I love you, Stan. My deepest condolences to your family. You touched so many of us with your playful, infectious and loving spirit. love you always, xo

[goddessofgore]

I've been a huge fan of Stan Winston for most of my life. he was an incredible talent, a wise sage, and a wonderful human being. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family, friends and fans.

[P Chandler]

Nooo... he was such an inspiration.
This is so sad!

And still so young. He still had so much to give.
:-(

[Laura Kelly]

My heart continues to sink. You will be greatly missed. I wish I could have one more wonderful hug from you. I love you, Stan. My deepest condolences to your family.
Thank you for touching so many of us with your playful, infectious and loving spirit.
Love you dearly. xo

[Doug Jones]

Stan is a legend that will live forever in Hollywood's history, and especially in our hearts. He harnessed his imagination and turned it into an empire of creatures that have kept us entertained for decades. His work will continue to inspire generations to come. I am so proud and blessed to have worn several Stan Winston creations on film, and I will truly miss him.

God Keep You, Stan, and thank you.

Doug Jones
(among the many Stan Winston characters are):
- a Ripper from TANK GIRL
- a Spy Morlock from THE TIME MACHINE
- Imp Creatures from DOOM
- Number 7 from BENCHWARMERS

[Jim Turner]

Thanks for the memories, Stan. I'll never forget all the hours of enjoyment you provided me and the rest of the world! RIP!

[stephen shapiro]

stan- you are at the top of my head in thought. all of our interactions over the years have been blessed with great generosity on your part. i will think of you often and miss you always. my love to Karen, Matt and Debbie and the beloved grand children. wish we could have spent more time.
a sad, sad day.

[Hugh Buttsworth]

What a tragic day. With my favourite film creative gone there are no films for me to look forward to. I really wish I could have worked with him.

[Norm shepard]

Truly a Unique and Dynamic Individual who has a Profound impact on Films, with his special inventiveness and desire to create the BEST special effects possible ! His talent will influence generations ad infinitum ! God Bless, Stan Winston, and his Studio ......

[Debra McDonald]

My heart goes out to Mr. Winston's family. He will be truly missed by those of us who love film and the genuises who make it magical. God Bless you Stan. Safe journey.

[Hector Garza]

This is just sad. Most of the best special effects were created by Mr. Winston. I will always remember the incredible design he and James Cameron did for the Alien Queen.
Epic: seeing the T-800 rise from the flames in the final sequence of Terminator.
He will be missed.

[Vic Arpeggio]

God speed, Stan. Thanks for so much-- my best to his family and to everyone touched by his amazing creations.

Go practical FX!

[John and Angela Alexander]

It was with such sadness that we heard today of Stan's untimely death, he was far to young to leave his beloved family, his many friends, his crew and all of his fans. I was fortunate enough to have worked with him, he was always very supportive of my work, he was a great character to be with, fun and always ready to help. We will never know what other amazing creatures he may have had in store for us all from Winston Studios. He will be missed by so many, it was a privilege to have know him.
With condolences to Karen and his family,
John and Angela Alexander

[Thomas Goddard]

He created so many inspirational pieces of work with his mind and hands. I hope he makes movies in the stars. His work and inspiration will live within me and many others forever. He's completely free now and will continue to create amazing works through his energy in our universe.

[D]

I remember when I was down at a convention many years ago... just a Midwest kid, who dreamed of working in VFX... Somehow I made it to a party where I was introduced to Stan, who treated me with total kindness and encouragement to come out to LA and work for his company - it really made a big impression on me. Strangely enough that's exactly what DID happen, I got the job (although Stan moved on to start his own studio) and I never forgot how Stan seemed to recognize where I was coming from. Here's a guy who's a legend in the industry, above the line... taking his time out to encourage some random kid to pursue his dreams. I've been working in the industry for 12 years since but I still remember that moment. Although I never had the opportunity to work with Stan on a project, in a lot of ways I feel like he's a mentor. Thank you Stan, your talents will be missed, but your grace even more so.

[Kimberley Pfeiffer]

I will so miss his infectious laughter, mischevious spirit and unending vision. A true genius in every sense of the word, and a good dear friend. Thank you Stan for all your trust and confidence throughout the years, and most of all, the generous gift of time with you and your family. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, my thoughts and prayers go out to Karen, Debbie, Matt, Amy, Erich and R,W,P,G. Good night, sweet prince, may angels guide your way.

[jeremy nolan]

Than you stan for making the creatures that "MAKE" the movies.

[Richard Cave]

A couple of years ago I was designing and building effects for a small project. Frustrated I emailed Stan expecting no reply thinking that he would be too busy doing big Hollywood numbers. I was very wrong Stan encouraged me to keep at it and gave me plenty of advice. He was very humble in helping someone out at the start of their career.

This shows the fine character of the man and how open he was. He also remembered his roots. He did not have to help me out but he did. My love and blessings go to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed throughout the industry. The positive thing is he left his mark on many upcoming make up artists and effects people. You left the effects world a better place.

[Scott]

I never blog, chat, or spend time on talk backs but this news has brought me here with tears in my eyes. I met Stan once at golden apple comics during a signing. He was nice enough to spend a few minutes with me to answer some questions i just couldnt help but ask. Any movie Stan Winston studios was a part of was a movie i had to see and he never disapointed. From the life size terminator in my living room to the Wiston effect book on my coffee table you could say i am a fan of his designs and his work. Seeing Dinasaurs come to life brought tears of joy to my eyes and made a believer out of me. One of Hollywoods great legends has passed on and i am eternaly grateful for the gifts he has left us all. Stan you will be missed by fans everywhere.

Scott

[Grahame Hadden]

A creator of terminator has now gone to the big film set in the sky. Another great loss to us all. Best regards to all who knew him. The world is a little bit darker for his passing.

[o13_BJN]

RIP
He's a true legend

[Chris Chase]

I'm not really even sure what to write, I am so shocked. To think of a world without Stan Winston? This is a man who deserves just as many accolades and tributes as the late Tim Russert. And if you are a movie fan like I am, you know he deserves even more than that. If a movie monster or a makeup effect ever made you scream, flinch or made your jaw drop in wonder, there's a pretty good chance that if Stan didn't create or build it, he had something to do with it.

I always had a wish to "become" a movie monster, and he was always at the top of my wish list as the man to perform the transformation. I'm sorry that I'll never have that opportunity. I'm sorrier still that there will be no more magic from the man who has given us so much during his lifetime.

Thank you, Mr. Winston, and Godspeed...

[Adam C. F.]

Stan Winston was probably one of the the greatest effects artists in motion picture history. His contribution to modern popular culture ranks with achievements from some of the most recognizable names in Hollywood. We can only hope and pray that his great legacy will continue through the legendary studio that he created. He will always be missed...

[Elrond Lawrence]

This is such a terrible shock. Mr. Winston had such an amazing body or work, and the tributes above are a true testament to his achievements as a person.

A personal irony is that on Sunday we had flipped the TV to a broadcast showing of "Jurassic Park," which our 13-year old daughter had never seen from start to finish. We all stopped and watched the final 20 minutes, as I happily explained to Kat which raptor scenes involved robotics, and not the usual CGI that she's accustomed to. After the movie, there was Stan in a documentary, joking about how he felt "extinct" after watching the first CGI dinosaur footage. Well, we all know that wasn't the case. Yesterday, our daughter pulled out the Jurassic Park/Lost World DVDs and thrilled to them both. Thank you, Stan, for your wonderful movie magic that will entertain generations to come, and for your kind spirit.

[Thom Talamini]

I wouldn't know where to start describing the varied impacts your creativity and charm have had on me over the years, but I can simply say thank you for the wonderful memories Stan, you will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family.

[Thom Talamini]

There is a saying that says that the brightest stars burn the quickest and I can't help but remember that as I read this sad news. Thank you Stan for all the wonderful memories!God Speed. My condolences to your family.

[Kurt (K.C.) Herbel]

Beyond his genius for creating creatures and putting together incredibly talented teams, I'm sure all who knew Stan will remember what a generous and kind man he was. Almost all that I hold as success in my career came as a result of my association with Stan. I will miss him dearly.

My heartfelt sympathies to his family.

[Nick Graves]

STAN WILL ALWAYS BE THE MAN.

Rest in Peace brother

Fade out:

[Richard Brooker]

Stan, believe it or not, made the original mask for Friday the13th Part 3.
I met him in 1982 and sat with him covered in "gunk" for days. What an amazing man, friend and mentor.
I am truly saddened by his passing.
Had it not been for Stan I would not of had a career, I still sign photos of Stan and myself together for all the fans that so believed and appreciated his work.
My heart and thoughts go out to his family.

R.I.P. my friend.....

Richard J. Brooker

[Johnnie Houston]

Its simple....I will miss him greatly.....The man was and is a great inspiration to me...I was crushed this morning when I got the news....

[Greg Eric]

A fitting tribute from A long time Winston collaborator:

http://www.ilm.com

That's class.

GE

[Eric Noether]

Stan, I was deeply sadden by the news of your passing and like everyone, shocked. I have such fond memories of your work. Your work, but more importantly, your character, set a higher bar of quality. You will be truly missed, my condolences to your family. I know that your "Spirit" will continue to live on, not only in the characters and creations you've made, but through all the people you've mentored. And to all you've inspired, like myself, to strive for something better.

May GOD bless your family,
Eric

[Dawn Hill]

There will never .....ever..... be another .....you.

My deepest condolences to his beloved wife Karen, his children and grandchildren.

Gods Speed.

[Heather]

In honor of Stan Winston’s major contributions to make-up artistry, the International Make-up Artist Trade Show, in conjunction with the Stan Winston Studios, is hosting a tribute to Winston Saturday afternoon (time TBA) at the show. Movie creature creators including Howard Berger, Kazuhiro Tsuji and Dick Smith will be participating in the show, which takes place this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center; for more information, visit www.makeupmag.com and www.makeupartistshow.com.

[Nodon de Monbaron Guy-Emmanuel]

adieu au père de mes rêves d'enfants,merci à vous, et toute mes condoléances à la famille.

[kenneth marvel]

Truly a giant of cinematic history. Far ahead of his time, unmatched by few, but loved by all. ...And never forgotten.

[Sir Robert]

Stan Winston,thank your talent and your gifts to the cinema and mankind.You will be missed!

[Sir Robert]

Stan Winston,thank you for your talent and your gifts to the world of cinema and mankind!
You will be missed.

[Ziggy Creations, Ziggy & Christa Geike]

We are both, Ziggy and my wife Christa, sad about Stan not being with us anymore.

We loved this man and his talent and we never forget the many jobs we were able to work with him.

Our condolences to his wife Karen and entire family.

[Rob Kafader]

Stan will be missed, but his movies will live on forever. Thank you Mr Winston for the memories

[adrian straton]

Can't believe what I Just read in today's paper. I only have a few people who work in the film industry that I truly admire and Stan Winston is one of them. Have followed his career since reading about him in Fangoria magazine in the early 80's.
I had hoped to meet him one day at a film festival, but am now saddened I will never have that opportunity.
From every fan in Australia, our thanks to a great man who will live on forever in cinema.

[Eren Eryürekli]

I'm a fan uf his work and he's kind of a model person to me,it's so sad that his thoughts and talent leaves this world to never came back...But I believe his fans and his co-workers,his team will carry his vision to future and stay loyal to his legacy,farewell Mr. Winston and thanks for the joy that you brought to our hearts with your work all these years...

[Jo Ellen Thompson]

Dear Karen, Debbie, Matt and all of your extended loved ones.... Please feel my love and sympathy. affectionately, Jo Ellen

[Jason Matthews]

I have had the pleasure of working for Stan for over 14 years. He has nurtured me into the artist i am today. As my boss he has tought me how to be a profesional. As a father figure, he has helped mend my wounds in my personal life. As a friend, his practical jokes made the day to day work not seem like work at all. We will continue his legacy, Its what he wanted.

Stan, thank you for a wonderful career! You will be missed

Jason matthews

[Dick Dyas]

Stan and I were college buddies ( UVA 1968). I am deeply saddened by his death. To think that the guy I sat with at college bars for several years would turn into a legend is unbelievable. Yet, looking back, he was creative then . He had an annual Halloween party with his friends from the Drama dept ( all makeup artists) that created montsters as scary as the Alien Queen. His dog, Wonder, looked a little bit like the Alien Queen ( underbite and all). We joked about the resemblance several years ago. The UVA community is in mourning.

[GARY FOX]

R.I.P Stan you will be surely missed.

[Peter C]

I am just a movie freak from CT, but Stans special effect stood out, when ever I went to see a movie, I knew when Stan was involved in the special effects,they always stood out from all the rest. He inspired me in my own ways, either Halloween or my paintings & drawings. He will never be forgotten by me, I think I own all his movies, including Pumkinhead, what a great movie. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends.

[Richard Gibbs]

Stan gave me a very early break, hiring me to write the musical score his film A Gnome Named Gnorm. He would insist I take weekends off from the gnormally grueling scoring schedule - any composer can tell you what a rarity that is. He was relentlessly positive, creative, humane, and full of self-deprecating humor. I learned much about how to work in this business from him and how to enjoy life to the fullest. I'd say there is now a black hole in his wake, except he would laugh at such a grandiose thought.

He is probably drawing doodles on St. Peter's robe right now. And I imagine God is glad to have him close by to advise him on some special effects. Watch for them - you'll know them when you see them. Farewell Stan.

Richard Gibbs

[Stephan Brown]

This man was behind all of the great movie art. Unbelievable, he truly was a genious I never followed his work much, but now that I see what his work was, WOW. I'm astonished. A huge loss for the world of Hollywood and normal life together.

[Patricia Minnick Klayer]

I will miss seeing Stan at High School reunions. I went to elementary, junior high and high school, i n Virginia with Stanley. I enjoyed following his career and was so amazed at the genious talent he presented. He will be missed. My sincere sympathy goes out to his wife, children and grandchildren.
You will be remembered and loved.
Pat Minnick

[MetalLearner]

This man was an absolute genius & I've been a real fan of the films that had his special effects in; a real loss to the industry!

[Chris McNulty]

It was a great shock to hear that Stan Winston had passed away.

I have a lot of DVDs that contain interviews with Stan, having never met him, there was a genuine charm about him that came through on-screen.

Its sad, my childhood was full of Schwarzenegger movies and other movies too like Jurassic Park and it was fun too see the next blockbuster on which Stan had worked his magic. Stan was part of my life and now you have gone part of me has also gone too.

Rest In Pece

[Tami Vialpando]

When I was younger Stan and his wife babysat me while living in the valley and at the time he was a young make up artist, I guess from what I have been told is that he made himself up like Frakenstien for halloween and it frightend me so badly I would never go back to thier house again......God bless his family and friends he created memories in film and in life,

[Jubs Tardin]

A great lost to everyone that had at least once enjoyed one of the great blockbuster films after the 1980's. But he'll be remember as a fighter, family man and an inspirations to us all in the field.
Godspeed, Stan!

Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

[tommy]

Stan will be greatly missed, what a talented man he was, so sorry to see him leave us.: (

[Davis Galindez]

Hi i just wanna say that Stan Winston is truely a Artistic man i enjoy is creation of character design. I admire his work i really can't find words to say i am still shock about what happen but i know he is still with us and for the family of Winston god will never leave nobodys side no matter what. Stan will always live on insides ours hearts an memories God bless you all and God bless Stan Winston rest in peace.

[Saif Ullah Khan]

This is really a sad news. I am a Winston fan. he was a great man, a great artist and a great inspiration for me, my condolences to his friends and family.

Regards

[Simon]

Stan never knew he gave me one of the best days of my life when I had the opportunity to visit his studio. I never knew him personally but I have spent many enchanting moments relishing his creations which will continue to be enjoyed by millions.

That is quite a legacy.

[scott]

I had many friends that worked and supported the concepts of Stan Winston. They learned and he learned how to make analog designs for the film business. Sadly, this is old Hollywood. today we have fast paced films with slick designs from builders that never rolled up their sleeves and got theirs hands dirty. Maybe a broken nail from a keyboard. Ah well, Onward and Upward.

What is most troubling... what caused Stan's disease? Steriods? Chemical exposure from the builds? No one is asking that question. It is most important in his legacy as well as his work.

Scott

[the-falken]

... this is a shock... i can't believe he has passed. indeed one of the best of the best, if not the best, he will be missed.

my life has bean altered after doing a presentation on stan winston in grade school, after that I wanted to become an efx master. that is just me, he has moved the lives of many people.

[Santiago]

Rest in Peace Stan. What a wonderful moments I live of SFX with all his works in pictures. I don´t believe it. This people don´t must die. Unforgetable professional in USA cinema industry. From Spain, greetings.

[John Kamarauskas]

I heard it from one of myspace friends . He was a impressive visual effects artist. I truly loved his work . God Bless Stan

[John Mitchell]

If the flutter of a butterfly's wings in Africa can have an effect on the wind in Texas, imagine what effect Stan Winston's legacy will have on the future of humanity!

Stan Winston is a part of who I am. He's a part of who we all are. It hurts so much to lose him. His work will live in mine and so many of you and many others through his influence.

I grew up in rural Southeast Missouri. Phil Tippet, Rick Baker, Rob Bottin, Tom Savini, Dick Smith, Jim Hensen, and Stan Winston were my heroes. I studied painting and printmaking at The School of the Art Institute in Chicago and then went on to Yale University where I earned an MFA in painting and printmaking in 1999. After New Haven I moved to Brooklyn, New York and I've been here working on my art work ever since. In art school we learned all about conceptualism, minimalism, expressionism, neo-expressionism, etc. etc. The art of Stan Winston and his colleagues and peers was never discussed. In that cloistered world of academic fine art, Stan et al were my anchor. I know that they were for many others too.

Thank you Stan et al for all you have done and will do. You were one of the greatest human beings ever.

With love and respect to the Stan Winston family,
John Mitchell

[James Griffiths]

Thank you Stan Winston for the legacy you have left behind for the many people who were fortunate to work with you, to enjoy your work and to experience your talent whether first hand or through the films you were a part of. May God take pleasure in your company and watch over your family in this difficult time.

Thank you for enriching so many people's life with your own.

God bless you Stan.