Proteus syndrome is a rare disorder marked by the excessive and unusual growth of skin and bone, as well as the development of tumors over half of the body. The most famous documented case of Proteus syndrome is that of Joseph Merrick, an Englishman who spent most of his life as a human curiosity and freak show attraction in London during the late 19th century. He is more widely known as ‘The Elephant Man.’ Several old black-and-white photographs of Joseph Merrick exist (and his preserved skeleton resides at the Royal London Hospital) and the images depict the extent of his deformities; nearly the entire right side of Merrick’s body is enlarged and twisted by thick skin, abnormal bone growths, and tumors. Proteus syndrome is incurable and relentless; Joseph Merrick died at the age of 27 of asphyxia caused by the weight of the tumors and growths throughout his body. While Joseph Merrick was quite the attraction and object of study in London during the late 19th century, his story entered wider public knowledge in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1979, a play based on Merrick entitled The Elephant Man debuted. Written by Bernard Pomerance, the play won 3 Tony Awards (including Best Play) and numerous other honors. In 1980, The Elephant Man was released as a feature length film, directed by David Lynch and starring John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins. The Elephant Man was nominated for 8 Academy Awards.
John Hurt in The Elephant Man, Make-Up by Christopher Tucker
Joseph Merrick
Chad Washam's recreation of The Elephant Man
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And this is where the story of Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man, meets the world of makeup effects. As make-up artists, we are charged with the task of transforming actors into characters and bringing life for the creative vision of the director, writers, and producers. We must use our skills, training, and tools to convince the audience that an actor is someone different than who they actually are, without drawing attention to the fact that they are wearing make-up. This transformation is sometimes as (seemingly) simple as making a beautiful woman look like an average waitress. But, in the world of special make-up effects, this transformation often requires the creation and application of extensive prosthetics, hair pieces, and teeth. When David Lynch initially began production on The Elephant Man, he planned on building and applying the make-up to actor John Hurt himself. However, it quickly became apparent that the project would require the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable professional make-up artist. In the interview ‘Christopher Tucker on Creating the Elephant Man,’ make-up