Monster maker Carlo Rambaldi dies at 86

Carlo Rambaldi, one of the most acclaimed monster-makers of all time, passed away in southern Italy today at the age of 86.

Rambaldi worked on more than 30 films during his career, winning the hearts of horror/sci-fi fans worldwide for his work on the terrifying creature from Ridley Scott's Alien (1979). He is also noted for his creative contributions to the titular beasties in King Kong (1976) and E.T. (1982).

“Carlo Rambaldi was E.T.’s Geppetto,” said E.T. director Steven Spielberg. “All of us who marveled and wondered at his craft and artistry are deeply saddened by the news of his passing.”

Other genre films Rambaldi lent his talent to include Dune, Cat's Eye, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Blood for Dracula, Flesh for Frankenstein, and Dario Argento's horror classic Deep Red.

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