The OCAD U community mourns the passing of alum Alan Brent Armstrong, an accomplished sculptor and makeup and special effects artist. Armstrong, who passed away on October 24, 2022 at the age of 69, graduated from the Communication and Design program at the Ontario College of Art in 1976, before it became OCAD University.
Armstrong is survived by his children Alexandra, Brandon and Mikaela, and his stepson Jaimie.
About Alan Brent Armstrong
Alan Brent Armstrong was best known for his larger-than-life sculptures and spent more than 30 years as a sculptor and makeup and special effects artist, working with directors, actors and technicians in Hollywood, often traveling across North America and Europe for his work.
With more than 73 films and two dozen television series and commercials on his resume, including Alien Nation (1990), which garnered an Emmy award for the makeup team. An accomplished artist, Armstrong’s film credits include The Santa Clause 1 (1994) and 2 (2002), Starship Troopers (1997), Hollow Man (2000) and 300 (2006).
He focused much of his freelance career on portrait sculptures of classic makeup artists such as Jack Pierce and Paul Blaisdell, and classic horror and sci-fi monsters from the 1930s to the 1950s. He is especially known for his monumental sculpture of King Kong on top of the Empire State Building.
“[Armstrong] took great pride and joy in his passions as an artist and fellow monster enthusiast,” says Alexandra Armstrong, his daughter.
“He also showed great love for his close friends and family. His character, humour, generosity, and energy will not be forgotten! He will truly be missed!”
Photo Credit
Courtesy of Alexandra Armstrong
Sources
Alexandra Armstrong
IMDB
The Classic Horror Film Board