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Tom Savini

Costume & Make-Up Born Nov 3, 1946 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA 231 credits
231
Total Credits
1974–2026
53 Years Career Span
84
Vault Titles
10
Key Co-Stars

Biography

Tom Savini is an American actor, stuntman, director, and award-winning special effects and makeup artist. Born on November 3, 1946, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he is known for his work on various films, including the Living Dead series and Creepshow. Savini has directed several movies, including the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead, and has continued to direct, produce, and star in several films. He has also appeared in films such as Dawn of the Dead, From Dusk till Dawn, Grindhouse, and Machete. Savini is a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon university and has been involved in teaching makeup effects at his school.

Sources & verification Tom Savini — The Movie Database (TMDB) Tom Savini - Wikipedia Tom Savini | ČSFD.cz Tom Savini 6.9 - Životopis, Články, Filmografie | Kinobox.cz Tom Savini (1946) - Videa a fotky - FDb.cz How Archytele verifies pages
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Career

Career overview

Tom Savini is a renowned American special effects and makeup artist. He is known for his work on various films, including those directed by George A. Romero, such as the Living Dead films. Savini's expertise in special effects and makeup has been showcased in several notable projects, including Creepshow, The Burning, Friday the 13th, and Maniac.

Savini's career in special effects and makeup spans multiple decades, with his work being recognized for its high quality. He has directed several films, including the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead. Savini has also continued to work in the film industry, directing, producing, and starring in various movies.

As a makeup artist, Savini has been involved in creating realistic and gruesome effects for horror films. He has also been known to refer makeup effects projects to graduates of his school. Savini's work has been featured in a range of films, including Dawn of the Dead and its remake, From Dusk till Dawn, Grindhouse, and Machete.

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Known for

Film

Queens of the Dead

as Mayor
Film

Terrifier 3

as Bystander
Film

The Black Phone

2022

Locke & Key

as Locksmith

Creepshow

2019

NOS4A2

as Snake

The Movies That Made Us

as Self
Film

Machete Kills

as Osiris Amanpour
Film

Django Unchained

as Tracker
Film

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

as Mr. Callahan
Film

Machete

as Osiris Amanpour
Film

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

as Jenkins

Frequent co-stars

Christine Forrest 4 shared titles
John Amplas 3 shared titles
Asami Katsura 2 shared titles
Michelle Lukes 2 shared titles
Scott H. Reiniger 2 shared titles
Ken Foree 2 shared titles
Quentin Tarantino 2 shared titles
Harvey Keitel 2 shared titles
Cheech Marin 2 shared titles
Danny Trejo 2 shared titles

Career timeline

Black Zombie
Queens of the DeadLegacy of Screams: The Evolution of Horror Movies
Terrifier 3
That's a WrapTaste the Blood of MartinSpooktacular!Spooktacular! · Executive Producer
The Black Phone · Special EffectsCharles Band’s Full Moon FreakshowThe 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All TimeIn Search of Darkness: Part IIIIl museo degli orrori di Dario Argento
Behind the MonstersQuentin Tarantino: From a Movie Buff to a Hollywood LegendThe History of Metal and HorrorPandemonic
Locke & KeyDead Talk LiveTales of the UncannyIn Search of Darkness: Part IIThe FX of Dawn
Creepshow · DirectorThe Last Drive-in with Joe Bob BriggsNOS4A2The Movies That Made Us
Eli Roth's History of HorrorDogman's Rabies: Underdog · Thanks
Cult of Terror
Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom SaviniTroll Empire · ThanksThe SadistThe Sadist · Producer
Doc of the DeadAn Experiment in Fear: The Making of Monkey ShinesDead Meat Walking: A Zombie Walk Documentary
Machete KillsCrystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13thThe World's End: The Legacy of 'Day of the Dead'The Phantom of the Opera: Unmasking the MasterpieceCool As Hell
Django UnchainedThe Perks of Being a WallflowerI Heart Monster MoviesRedd Inc.Redd Inc. · Makeup Artist
Halloween WarsNightmare FactoryThe Theatre BizarreThe Theatre Bizarre · DirectorUnderground Entertainment: The Movie
MacheteHis Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13thThe Dead MatterJoe of the Dead: Acting in a George Romero ClassicThe Death Dealer
Jason's Unlucky Day: 25 Years After Friday the 13th: The Final ChapterThe Shark Is Still WorkingNew Beginnings: The Making of Friday the 13th Part V - A New BeginningDeadtime Stories · DirectorTattoos: A Scarred History
Zack and Miri Make a PornoLost Boys: The TribeFantastic Flesh: The Art of Make-Up EFXSea of DustZombiemania
GrindhousePlanet TerrorDiary of the DeadDiary of the Dead · ThanksBlood, Boobs & Beast
American ScaryGoing to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher FilmBeyond the Wall of SleepWitch's Dungeon: 40 Years of ChillsThe Absence of Light
Land of the DeadForest of the DamnedAfter Effects: Memories of Pittsburgh Filmmaking
Dawn of the DeadUnConventionalChill Factor: House CallChill Factor: House Call · DirectorUnearthed
ViciousZombiegeddonTwo Masters' EyesThe Many Days of Day of the Dead
Ted BundyTed Bundy · Special Effects Makeup ArtistTed Bundy · Makeup ArtistBlood Bath
Behind the Scenes with Day of the DeadDario Argento: An Eye for HorrorChildren of the Living DeadChildren of the Living Dead · Stunt CoordinatorThe Monster Man
Aqua Teen Hunger ForceSheenaThe American NightmareScream and Scream Again: A History of the Slasher Film
Cold Hearts · Makeup ArtistThe Devil AntThe Dead Walk: Remaking a Classic
Eyes Are Upon YouHalloween... The Happy Haunting of America!Cutting Moments · Special Effects SupervisorCutting Moments · Makeup ArtistThe World of Dario Argento 3: Museum of Horrors
From Dusk Till DawnThe Assassination File · Special Effects Makeup Artist
The DemolitionistMr. StitchMr. Stitch · Makeup ArtistGeorge Romero's Golden Tales 3 · DirectorGhostwriter: Attack of the Slime Monster · Special Effects

Full Filmography

231 titles
  • Black Zombie (2026) as Self
  • Queens of the Dead (2025) as Mayor
  • Legacy of Screams: The Evolution of Horror Movies (2025) as Self - (archive footage)
  • Terrifier 3 (2024) as Bystander
  • That's a Wrap (2023) as Manager
  • Taste the Blood of Martin (2023) as Himself
  • Spooktacular! (2023) as Self
  • Spooktacular! (2023) Executive Producer
  • Advertisement
  • The Black Phone (2022) Special Effects
  • Charles Band’s Full Moon Freakshow (2022)
  • The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time (2022) as Self
  • In Search of Darkness: Part III (2022) as Self
  • Il museo degli orrori di Dario Argento (2022) as self
  • Behind the Monsters (2021) as Self
  • Quentin Tarantino: From a Movie Buff to a Hollywood Legend (2021) as Self (archive footage)
  • The History of Metal and Horror (2021) as Self
  • Pandemonic (2021) as Poem 1
  • Locke & Key (2020) as Locksmith
  • Dead Talk Live (2020) as Self - Guest
  • Tales of the Uncanny (2020) as Self
  • In Search of Darkness: Part II (2020) as Self
  • The FX of Dawn (2020)
  • Time Warp Vol. 2: Horror and Sci-Fi (2020) as Self
  • Clapboard Jungle: Surviving the Independent Film Business (2020) as Self
  • Memories of Monroeville: Revisiting the 'Dawn of the Dead' Mall (2020) as Himself
  • Zombies and Bikers (2020) as Himself
  • Creepshow (2019) Director
  • The Last Drive-in with Joe Bob Briggs (2019) as Self
  • NOS4A2 (2019) as Snake
  • The Movies That Made Us (2019) as Self
  • Eli Roth's History of Horror (2018) as Self
  • Dogman's Rabies: Underdog (2018) Thanks
  • Cult of Terror (2017) as Self - Make-up Designer
  • Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini (2015) as Self
  • Troll Empire (2015) Thanks
  • The Sadist (2015) as The Sadist
  • The Sadist (2015) Producer
  • Doc of the Dead (2014) as Self
  • An Experiment in Fear: The Making of Monkey Shines (2014) as Himself
  • Dead Meat Walking: A Zombie Walk Documentary (2014) as Self
  • Machete Kills (2013) as Osiris Amanpour
  • Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th (2013) as Self
  • The World's End: The Legacy of 'Day of the Dead' (2013) as Self
  • The Phantom of the Opera: Unmasking the Masterpiece (2013) as Self
  • Cool As Hell (2013) as The Demon Slayer
  • Django Unchained (2012) as Tracker
  • The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) as Mr. Callahan
  • I Heart Monster Movies (2012) as Self
  • Redd Inc. (2012) as Peter Bava
  • Redd Inc. (2012) Makeup Artist
  • Horrorween (2012) as Killer
  • Death from Above (2012) as Sheriff Raynick
  • Death from Above (2012) Makeup Artist
  • Robin Hood: Ghosts of Sherwood (2012) as Sheriff of Nottingham
  • Halloween Wars (2011) as Self - Judge
  • Nightmare Factory (2011) as Self
  • The Theatre Bizarre (2011) as Dr. Maurey
  • The Theatre Bizarre (2011) Director
  • Underground Entertainment: The Movie (2011) as Interrupting Tom
  • Machete (2010) as Osiris Amanpour
  • His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th (2010) as Self
  • The Dead Matter (2010) as Sebed
  • Joe of the Dead: Acting in a George Romero Classic (2010) as Self - Motorcycle Raider (archive footage)
  • The Death Dealer (2010)
  • Saturday Nightmares: The Ultimate Horror Expo of All Time! (2010) as Self
  • Jason's Unlucky Day: 25 Years After Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (2009) as Self
  • The Shark Is Still Working (2009) as Self
  • New Beginnings: The Making of Friday the 13th Part V - A New Beginning (2009) as Self
  • Deadtime Stories (2009) Director
  • Tattoos: A Scarred History (2009) as Self
  • Friday's Legacy: Horror Conventions (2009) as Self
  • Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008) as Jenkins
  • Lost Boys: The Tribe (2008) as David Van Etten
  • Fantastic Flesh: The Art of Make-Up EFX (2008) as Self
  • Sea of Dust (2008) as Prester John
  • Zombiemania (2008) as Himself - Makeup Artist
  • He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce (2008) as Self
  • Grindhouse (2007) as Deputy Tolo (segment "Planet Terror")
  • Planet Terror (2007) as Deputy Tolo
  • Diary of the Dead (2007) as Man Shouting on Radio 'Shoot in the Head' (voice) (uncredited)
  • Diary of the Dead (2007) Thanks
  • Blood, Boobs & Beast (2007) as Himself
  • Loaded Dice (2007) as The Bishop
  • Just Desserts: The Making of 'Creepshow' (2007) as Self
  • It's My Party and I'll Die If I Want To (2007) as Uncle Tom
  • Blood 'n Fire Memories with Tom Savini (2007)
  • American Scary (2006) as Himself
  • Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film (2006) as Self
  • Beyond the Wall of Sleep (2006) as Sheriff
  • Witch's Dungeon: 40 Years of Chills (2006) as Self
  • The Absence of Light (2006) as The Higher Power
  • It Runs in the Family (2006) as Self
  • Flesh Wounds: Seven Stories of the Saw (2006) as Self
  • Land of the Dead (2005) as Machete Zombie
  • Forest of the Damned (2005) as Stephen
  • After Effects: Memories of Pittsburgh Filmmaking (2005) as Self
  • Dawn of the Dead (2004) as The Sheriff
  • UnConventional (2004) as Self
  • Chill Factor: House Call (2004)
  • Chill Factor: House Call (2004) Director
  • Unearthed (2004) as Det. Victor Tonelli
  • The Dead Will Walk: The Making of Dawn of the Dead (2004) as Himself
  • The Friday the 13th Chronicles (2004) as Self
  • Creature Feature: 50 Years of the Gill-Man (2004) as Self
  • Crystal Lake Victims Tell All (2004) as Himself
  • Secrets Galore Behind the Gore (2004) as Self
  • Death 4 Told (2004) as Man (segment "The Psychic")
  • Special Report: Zombie Invasion (2004) as Sheriff Cahill
  • Friday the 13th: From Crystal Lake to Manhattan (Crystal Lake Victims Tell All - Documentary) (2004) as Self
  • Vicious (2003) as Kane
  • Zombiegeddon (2003) as Jesus Christ
  • Two Masters' Eyes (2003)
  • The Many Days of Day of the Dead (2003) as Self
  • Ted Bundy (2002) as Salt Lake City Detective
  • Ted Bundy (2002) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • Ted Bundy (2002) Makeup Artist
  • Blood Bath (2002) as Stranger
  • Behind the Scenes with Day of the Dead (2001)
  • Dario Argento: An Eye for Horror (2001) as Self
  • Children of the Living Dead (2001) as Deputy Hughs
  • Children of the Living Dead (2001) Stunt Coordinator
  • The Monster Man (2001) as Joe
  • Web of Darkness (2001) as Rouge
  • Web of Darkness (2001) Makeup Effects
  • Web of Darkness (2001) Special Effects Coordinator
  • Web of Darkness (2001) Makeup Artist
  • Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2000) as Cop (voice)
  • Sheena (2000) as Peter Reynolds
  • The American Nightmare (2000) as Self
  • Scream and Scream Again: A History of the Slasher Film (2000) as Self
  • Cold Hearts (1999) Makeup Artist
  • The Devil Ant (1999) as Tom Savini
  • The Dead Walk: Remaking a Classic (1999) as Self
  • Eyes Are Upon You (1997) as Eddie Rao
  • Halloween... The Happy Haunting of America! (1997) as Self
  • Cutting Moments (1997) Special Effects Supervisor
  • Cutting Moments (1997) Makeup Artist
  • The World of Dario Argento 3: Museum of Horrors (1997) as Self
  • From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) as Sex Machine
  • The Assassination File (1996) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • The Demolitionist (1995) as Roland
  • Mr. Stitch (1995) as Chemical / Weapons Engineer
  • Mr. Stitch (1995) Makeup Artist
  • George Romero's Golden Tales 3 (1995) Director
  • Ghostwriter: Attack of the Slime Monster (1995) Special Effects
  • Ghostwriter: Attack of the Slime Monster (1995) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • Backstreet Justice (1994) Special Effects
  • Spooky World (1994) as Self
  • Spooky World (1994) Producer
  • Zombie Jamboree ‘93 (1993) as Himself
  • Necronomicon (1993) Makeup Artist
  • Killing Zoe (1993) Makeup Artist
  • Trauma (1993) Makeup Artist
  • Trauma (1993) Makeup Effects
  • Ghostwriter (1992) Makeup Artist
  • Innocent Blood (1992) as News Photographer
  • Dario Argento: Master of Horror (1991) as Self
  • Bloodsucking Pharaohs in Pittsburgh (1991) Makeup Artist
  • Night of the Living Dead (1990) as (uncredited)
  • Night of the Living Dead (1990) Director
  • Two Evil Eyes (1990) as The Monomaniac
  • Two Evil Eyes (1990) Special Effects
  • Two Evil Eyes (1990) Makeup Effects
  • Two Evil Eyes (1990) Stunts
  • Two Evil Eyes (1990) Special Effects Key Makeup Artist
  • Tales from the Darkside (1990) Director
  • The Simpsons (1989) as Tom Savini (voice)
  • Heartstopper (1989) as Lt. Ron Vargo
  • Heartstopper (1989) Makeup Artist
  • Z-TV (1989) as Self
  • Horror Effects: Hosted by Tom Savini (1989) as Himself
  • Red Scorpion (1988) Makeup Artist
  • The Incredibly Strange Film Show (1988) as Self
  • Monkey Shines (1988) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • Creepshow 2 (1987) as The Creep
  • Creepshow 2 (1987) Makeup Effects
  • Drive-In Madness! (1987) as Himself
  • The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • Scream Greats, Vol.1: Tom Savini, Master of Horror Effects (1986) as Himself
  • Stephen King's World of Horror (1986) as Self
  • Day of the Dead (1985) as Zombie with Scarf (uncredited)
  • Day of the Dead (1985) Stunt Coordinator
  • Day of the Dead (1985) Makeup Artist
  • Invasion U.S.A. (1985) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • The Ripper (1985) as Jack the Ripper
  • Tales from the Darkside (1984) Director
  • Maria's Lovers (1984) Makeup Artist
  • Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) as Jason (Hitchhiker Murder Scene) (uncredited)
  • Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • The Boy Who Loved Trolls (1984) as Motorcyclist
  • Midnight (1982) Special Effects
  • Midnight (1982) Makeup Artist
  • Creepshow (1982) as Garbage Man #2 (segment "Epilogue")
  • Creepshow (1982) Makeup Effects
  • Creepshow (1982) Makeup Artist
  • Alone in the Dark (1982) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • Till Death Do We Scare (1982) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • The Burning (1981) Makeup Effects Designer
  • The Burning (1981) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • Knightriders (1981) as Morgan
  • Eyes of a Stranger (1981) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • The Prowler (1981) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • The Prowler (1981) Special Effects
  • Nightmare (1981) Special Effects Supervisor
  • Document of the Dead (1981) as Himself
  • Friday the 13th (1980) as Knife Killer (uncredited)
  • Friday the 13th (1980) Stunts
  • Friday the 13th (1980) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • Friday the 13th (1980) Makeup Artist
  • Maniac (1980) as Disco Boy
  • Maniac (1980) Stunt Coordinator
  • Maniac (1980) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • Effects (1979) as Nicky
  • Effects (1979) Makeup Artist
  • Dawn of the Dead (1978) as Motorcycle Raider
  • Dawn of the Dead (1978) Makeup Artist
  • Dawn of the Dead (1978) Special Effects Makeup Artist
  • Dawn of the Dead (1978) Stunt Double
  • Martin (1978) as Arthur
  • Martin (1978) Makeup Effects
  • Martin (1978) Stunts
  • Martin (1978) Makeup Artist
  • Deranged (1974) Makeup Artist
  • Dead of Night (1974) Special Effects
  • Dead of Night (1974) Makeup Artist
  • Nightmare City
  • Nightmare City Writer
  • Nightmare City Director
  • Nightmare City Makeup Artist
  • The 4th Reich as SS-Standartenführer Dirlewanger
  • The Evilry Special Effects Makeup Artist

Frequently Asked Questions

What movies or TV shows is Tom Savini best known for?

Tom Savini is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Queens of the Dead (2025), Terrifier 3 (2024), The Black Phone (2022), Locke & Key (2020).

When and where was Tom Savini born?

Tom Savini was born on November 3, 1946 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

How many credits does Tom Savini have?

Tom Savini has accumulated over 231 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1974 to 2026.

What is Tom Savini's background in cinema and television?

Tom Savini is an American actor, stuntman, director, and award-winning special effects and makeup artist. Born on November 3, 1946, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he is known for his work on various films, including the Living Dead series and Creepshow. Savini has directed several movies, including the 1990 remake of Nig...

Tom Savini by the numbers

231credits
214films
17TV series
1974–2026active years

Age in their best-rated roles

Full filmography (231) Born on November 3

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