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Rick Genest
Rick Genest
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Rick Genest (August 7, 1985 – August 1, 2018), also known as Zombie Boy, was a Canadian artist, actor, fashion model, and musician. He held a Guinness World Record for his full-body tattoos.[1]

Key Information

Personal life

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Genest was born in LaSalle, Quebec, and grew up in Châteauguay.[2] At 14,[3][4] Genest was told he had a brain tumor. After more examinations and tests, six months later,[5][4] he had a laser procedure, claiming he was the second North American to survive the laser treatment.[6]

Genest had himself tattooed over approximately 90% of his body and held the Guinness World Record for the most tattoos of human bones (139).[1] He previously held the Guinness World Record for most tattoos of insects (176), until November 2018, when Joshua Thornton took the title.[7]

Career

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Tattooed as a living skeleton, Genest worked in various sideshows and freak shows across Canada as an illustrated man, eventually starring in his own show, called Lucifer’s Blasphemous Mad Macabre Torture Carnival.[8] Not long after beginning his facial tattoos, Genest was first introduced to the public on November 13, 2006, in a blog post on Body Modification Ezine (BME)'s ModBlog.[9] In March 2008 he had his first interview,[10] by which time his tattoos were largely completed. In this interview, Genest clarified that he preferred the moniker "Zombie" to "Skullboy", as BME had been referring to him.

The introductions on RzyM's Channel led to increasingly mainstream media coverage, notably a June 2008 feature in Bizarre magazine. In the 2009 television film Carny, starring Lou Diamond Phillips as a small-town sheriff, Genest was seen as a Tattooed Man at the Carnival. In the summer of 2010, he was discovered by artist Marc Quinn, in Bromont, Quebec, where Genest was working with the sideshow, Alive on the Inside, at Carnivàle Lune Bleue.[citation needed]

As a model

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In January 2011, Genest was featured in the new Thierry Mugler Autumn/Winter men's collection, headlining it on the brand's website, after his discovery by Formichetti,[11][12][13] who was Mugler's creative director.[14][15][16][17] It was Genest's involvement, and Lady Gaga's urging, which resulted in the menswear show, something not originally planned.[18] His involvement also influenced Formichetti on the collection itself.[18] The show was accompanied by a video featuring Genest, shot by fashion photographer Mariano Vivanco.[15] He later featured alongside Lady Gaga in the fashion show for the women's 2011 Autumn/Winter line.[19]

In February 2011, Genest was featured in Lady Gaga's music video for "Born This Way", with Lady Gaga wearing makeup to replicate Genest's tattoos.[20] Genest was featured in the sixth volume of Vogue Hommes Japan, in an editorial titled "Hard To Be Passive".[21] In the Summer issue of GQ Style (UK), Formichetti and Genest are interviewed, with Genest shot in Mugler by Karim Sadli for the editorial.[22]

In late 2011, Genest was featured in a campaign entitled "Go Beyond the Cover", promoting Dermablend professional makeup products, appearing in a video where a makeup team covered all the tattoos on his head, torso, arms, and part of his back in its concealer product. The advert then shows him sitting with the phrase "How do you judge a book?". He then proceeds to remove portions of the makeup, starting with a section of his chest to reveal the tattoo underneath, continuing to his face.[23]

The video then showed the process of applying the cover-up played backwards.[23] The commercial success of this campaign led to a 2-year endorsement contract with L'Oréal for Genest, who became its first-ever male spokesperson. Genest appeared in the music video of the Polish pop singer Honey. The video for her song "Sabotage" was released in January 2012.

For the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con, the Tonner Doll Company produced "Zombie Boy", a limited edition character figure in Genest's likeness. He was Tonner's guest at the convention. Included with each doll is a certificate of authenticity signed by Genest, as "Rico the Zombie". The edition was limited to 500 dolls, all of which were sold as of July 27, 2012.[24]

In September 2012, Genest became the face of the Jay-Z music fashion label Roc-A-Wear for its re-launch in Europe.[25]

In May 2014, images of Genest, taken by Colin Singer, were exhibited in the Paris-based Musée du quai Branly, Exhibition "Tattoists, Tattooed".[26]

Zombie Boy (Photo by Colin Singer)

As an actor and musician

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He was cast as the character "Foreman" in the 2013 film 47 Ronin,[27] featuring Keanu Reeves. Genest was prominently featured in early promotional material for the film, but his role was mostly edited out of the final version of the film after it went through several re-writes and other changes.[28]

Genest collaborated with British solo artist KAV on the single "Dirty Rejects", released in May 2013. They spent the first part of 2013 recording an album project, and a video titled "Monsters Versus the World" in Los Angeles. The project was discontinued.

As of January 2015, Genest was working with guitarist Mike Riggs on an upcoming album. On the horror news site Bloody Disgusting, a "Zombie Boy 666 Medley" video was released featuring samples of six songs to be on the upcoming album.[29]

In June 2017, as part of the TEDx #DISRUPTyou, Genest released a video titled "Normal is an illusion", which recounted his experiences with a brain tumour, among other things.[30][31]

Unveiled in 2019, an 11.5-foot (3.5 m) sculpture of Genest, called "Self-Conscious Gene", is a new permanent fixture at the Science Museum, London, UK. The statue was created by British artist Marc Quinn.[32]

Death

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On August 1, 2018, Genest was found dead after a fall from the third floor balcony at a close friend's apartment,[33] in the Le Plateau-Mont-Royal district of Montreal.[34] A police source initially told CBC News that the death was likely a suicide.[2] In October 2019, coroner Melissa Gagnon ruled that the death was accidental.[33][35][36] Her investigation concluded that Genest died from head trauma after landing on the sidewalk and noted a high level of alcohol in his system with traces of cannabis, with no "unequivocal" evidence of suicidal intent.[33][35]

He left no suicide note, had recently become engaged, and by all accounts found his career fulfilling.[33] Some relatives and friends believed all along it had been an accident.[37] His manager, of a similar height to Genest (5'10"), noted the balcony railing ends below his hips.[38] He speculated that Genest lost his balance and fell, explaining Genest often leaned against or sat on railings while smoking.[35]

[edit]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
2009 Carny Carny
2013 Aquario Zombie Boy Short
47 Ronin Foreman A larger role was initially developed[27]
In Faustian Fashion Phoenix
  • Also executive producer
  • Short
2014 Love at Last Sight Zombie Boy
  • Official Selection Montreal World Film Festival
  • Short
2017 Silent Witness El Buitre
  • BBC One TV Series
  • Series 20, Episode: Awakening Part 1 & Part 2

Music

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Year Album Song
TBA[29] TBA "That Terrible Song"
"Monster Inside"
"Monster Man"
"Yeah Bebe Yeah"
"Darkness Falls"
"Bad to the Bone"

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Rick Genest (August 7, 1985 – August 1, 2018), known professionally as Zombie Boy, was a Canadian , , model, and celebrated for his extensive full-body tattoos depicting a decomposing corpse, including exposed , , bones, and , which covered approximately 90% of his body and earned him two for the most human bones (139) and insects (176) tattooed on the body (male). Born in , and raised in nearby , Genest experienced a turbulent early life marked by after leaving home at age 17. At age 15, he was diagnosed with a severe , facing high risks of death or permanent or from ; he underwent a pioneering procedure through an incision in the roof of his mouth and fully recovered without cancer. This health crisis profoundly influenced his fascination with the , leading him to get his first at age 16 as a tribute to horror films and the human body's fragility; by age 21, he had begun the major tattoo work with artist Frank Lewis, a process spanning over three years and costing thousands of dollars. Genest's career gained momentum in 2011 when he was discovered on —where he had amassed over 20,000 followers—by stylist , leading to his breakout role in Lady Gaga's for "Born This Way," which propelled his unique appearance into global fame. He modeled for high-profile brands and publications such as Mugler, GQ, Vanity Fair, and Vogue Hommes, walked runways in and , and served as a for L’Oréal Men Expert in 2012; his acting credits included films like Carny (2009), 47 Ronin (2013), and the TV series Silent Witness (2017), while he also performed in sideshows and pursued . His tattoos were verified for the records on April 27, 2011, in , , solidifying his status as a cultural icon of and . Genest died on August 1, 2018, at age 32, after falling from a balcony at his home in Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal borough; a 2019 Quebec coroner's report ruled the death accidental, caused by head trauma from the fall. His death prompted tributes from figures like Lady Gaga, who highlighted mental health awareness in his memory.

Early Life and Background

Childhood and Family

Rick Genest, born on August 7, 1985, in , , was raised in the nearby suburb of . He was the eldest of three children to parents Roch Genest and Catheryne Chappelle. As a teenager, Genest immersed himself in Montreal's punk scene, where he connected with like-minded individuals in artistic and countercultural communities. He harbored ambitions of becoming a circus performer and, along with friends, organized a travelling that reflected his early fascination with performance and the unconventional. Genest attended local public schools in the area and completed high school before leaving home at age 17. In his late teens, he frequented drop-in centers for at-risk youth, such as Dans La Rue in , where he was remembered as mild-mannered and polite. This period marked the end of his formative years, before severe issues emerged in early adulthood.

Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

At the age of 15 in 2000, Rick Genest was diagnosed with a following persistent symptoms including frequent blackouts and fainting spells that began during his year. The tumor, located behind his , posed severe risks, with doctors warning of a high likelihood of or permanent from surgical intervention. After enduring six months on a surgical waiting list amid ongoing medical tests such as MRIs and blood work, Genest underwent a pioneering laser-assisted procedure accessed through the roof of his mouth to excise the tumor, becoming only the second person in to receive this treatment. The surgery, performed on August 7, 2000, successfully removed the tumor, and Genest made a full physical recovery without cancer recurrence. He spent an extended period in the hospital recovering from the operation, navigating a challenging environment of repeated checkups and hallway accommodations while confronting the physical and emotional toll of his condition. His family offered vital emotional support throughout the hospitalization, helping him endure the prolonged ordeal. Post-recovery, Genest embraced a "" philosophy, interpreting his scars not as flaws but as poignant reminders of human mortality and the fragility of life, which profoundly influenced his sense of identity and resilience. This mindset emerged from his against the odds, transforming his perspective on normalcy and self-perception during a time of deep psychological adjustment.

Artistic and Professional Career

Tattoo Journey and Initial Recognition

Genest began his extensive tattooing journey in at the age of 21, drawing inspiration from the scars left by his at age 15 to create a thematic full-body skeletal design. He collaborated closely with Frank Lewis, who inked most of the designs to transform the medical marks into an artistic representation of the human as a corpse. This personal project reflected Genest's fascination with mortality and the body, evolving from smaller tattoos he had started receiving at age 16. The tattooing process spanned over three years, requiring hundreds of hours of sessions and covering approximately 90% of Genest's body with detailed skeletal imagery and additional elements like . Notable features included a realistic on his face, exposed ribs across his torso, and maggots clustered around his eye sockets, contributing to his corpse-like aesthetic. The endeavor cost thousands of dollars and culminated in Genest earning two Guinness World Records in 2011 for the most human bones (139) and (176) tattooed on the body (male). Genest's distinctive appearance first attracted public curiosity in 2010 through local media features and appearances at tattoo conventions, where he was nicknamed "Zombie Boy" for his striking, undead-inspired look. These early exposures in the tattoo community showcased his self-directed artistic transformation and recovery narrative, generating buzz among enthusiasts before wider recognition.

Modeling Achievements

Rick Genest's entry into the modeling world began in 2010 when he was discovered by , the creative director of , through a page showcasing his extensive skeletal tattoos. This discovery led to his professional debut at for the Fall/Winter 2011 show, where he opened the men's collection, marking a significant moment for alternative aesthetics in high fashion. Following his runway debut, Genest quickly gained traction in and work, appearing in high-profile publications such as Vogue Hommes Japan for the Spring/Summer issue in an titled "Hard To Be Passive," photographed by Mariano Vivanco and styled in Mugler looks. He also featured in editorials for ES Magazine (Fall/Winter 2012), Vogue.it (March 2012), (February 2012), and Schön Magazine (October ), alongside a cover for Dazed & Confused Korea (December 2014). Additionally, Genest starred in a visual campaign for , shot in his hometown , which further solidified his presence in luxury . In , Genest expanded his commercial footprint by becoming a spokesperson for Paris Men Expert's Dermablend Professional line, appearing in an advertisement with the tagline "How do you judge a book?" that highlighted both the product's concealing capabilities and his unapologetic embrace of . His prolific output included features in and Vanity Fair, contributing to his reputation as a trailblazer for non-traditional models. By the early , Genest had appeared in numerous fashion editorials worldwide, demonstrating the viability of heavily tattooed individuals in mainstream runway and print media. Genest's modeling played a pivotal role in advocating for and tattoo acceptance within the fashion industry, challenging conventional beauty standards through his skeletal aesthetic and influencing the rise of trends. His visibility helped normalize diverse body modifications, inspiring greater inclusivity for tattooed and unconventional models on global runways and in campaigns.

Acting and Music Contributions

Rick Genest made his acting debut in the 2009 Canadian film , marking his entry into the entertainment industry following initial recognition from his distinctive tattoos and modeling work. He gained further prominence with a supporting role as the Foreman in the 2013 action-fantasy film 47 Ronin, directed by and starring , where his heavily tattooed appearance suited the film's supernatural elements. That same year, Genest appeared in the In Faustian Fashion, contributing to his growing portfolio in independent cinema. His television role came in 2017, portraying the character El Buitre in two episodes of the British crime drama series ("Awakening: Part 1" and "Part 2"), leveraging his unique visual style for a memorable antagonistic presence. Beyond film and television, Genest featured prominently in music videos, most notably as the undead figure "Zombie Boy" in Lady Gaga's 2011 video for "Born This Way," directed by . His skeletal tattoos directly inspired the video's themes of transformation and otherworldliness, aligning with the song's message of and earning widespread attention that bridged his modeling fame to broader entertainment opportunities. He also appeared in other videos, including SIKA's "Badboy" (2015), where he embodied his signature aesthetic in a high-energy electronic track. As a musician, Genest released material under the alias Zombie Boy, blending electronic and alternative sounds with his thematic persona. In 2015, he collaborated with former Rob Zombie guitarist Mike Riggs on the project ZOMBIE BOY, producing the track "Zombie Boy 666 Medley," a lyric video that fused heavy riffs with Genest's vocal contributions and visual identity. He performed live at alternative music events and tattoo conventions across Europe and North America, showcasing his music until around 2017, often integrating his performance art background into dynamic stage appearances.

Death and Immediate Aftermath

Circumstances of Death

Rick Genest died on August 1, 2018, at the age of 32, following a fall from the third-floor balcony of an apartment building in , . He was found unconscious and bleeding at the base of the building, approximately eight meters below, around 5:15 p.m. local time, by individuals in the area; the location was the residence of one of his close friends. Quebec coroner Mélissa Gagnon ruled the death accidental in her October 2019 report, attributing it to severe head trauma sustained in the fall, with no evidence of foul play or intentional . Gagnon noted that while there were no direct witnesses to the incident, it was plausible Genest lost his balance while leaning on the balcony railing, possibly while smoking a , as suggested by his manager Karim Leduc based on Genest's habits and the positioning of his body. An confirmed the ; results revealed a blood alcohol level of 234 mg/dL and the presence of in his system. Leading up to the incident, Genest had been grappling with challenges, including past consultations for depression and reports from close friends that he experienced auditory hallucinations, especially in connection with prior substance use. These issues were compounded by the long-term psychological effects of a and its surgical removal at age 15. No was found, aligning with the coroner's determination of an accidental cause. Following Rick Genest's death on August 1, 2018, his family and representatives issued statements emphasizing that the incident appeared to be an accidental fall rather than a , citing numerous inconsistencies with reports of intentional . Karim Leduc, Genest's manager, stated on behalf of the family and close entourage that "there's too many inconsistencies around his death to rule it as a " and described Genest as "not someone who... would commit ; he’s very thoughtful of others." Dulcedo Management, which represented Genest, expressed shock and sadness while requesting that "the privacy of his family be respected as they grieve." Although Genest had experienced emotional difficulties in the past, his representatives noted no was found and highlighted his recent positive engagements, including artistic projects. A was conducted to determine the circumstances of the , with Mélissa Gagnon releasing her report on , 2019. The report concluded that Genest died from head trauma sustained in an accidental fall from a third-floor balcony in , where he had been visiting a close friend; results revealed a blood alcohol level of 234 mg/dL, along with in his system. Gagnon found no evidence of , supported by footage showing no suspicious activity, and determined it was not possible to confirm suicidal intent despite Genest's of challenges and substance use. No was pursued, as the ruling affirmed the as accidental with no third-party involvement. Genest's family and friends expressed relief at the coroner's findings, which aligned with their initial beliefs and contradicted early media speculation of , a narrative they described as hurtful and frustrating. The family, including his parents Roch Genest and Catheryne Chappelle, sister Cara, and brother , chose to handle personal matters privately in the aftermath, with no public details released on estate proceedings or other legal aspects.

Legacy and Cultural Influence

Tributes from Celebrities and Industry

Following Rick Genest's death on August 1, 2018, , for whom he had appeared in the "Born This Way" in 2011, shared an emotional on on August 3, 2018. She described the loss as "beyond devastating" and credited Genest with inspiring the video's themes of , while urging greater awareness for and support, stating, "We have to work harder to change the culture, bring to the forefront and reduce the stigma that surrounds it." Nicola Formichetti, the fashion stylist and former creative director at who discovered Genest and propelled his modeling career, also posted a heartfelt message on , expressing being "absolutely heartbroken" and offering condolences to Genest's family and friends, accompanied by a photo of the two alongside Gaga. Genest's passing prompted a surge in industry discussions about challenges within the modeling world, with outlets highlighting the pressures of the profession and the need to address stigma, as echoed in Gaga's plea for cultural change. Publications like reflected on how Genest's own experiences with brain cancer and intersected with broader conversations on resilience and psychological well-being in high-visibility creative fields.

Representations in Media and Fashion

Genest's distinctive skeletal tattoo aesthetic has continued to resonate in following his death, inspiring recreations and references that highlight themes of and outsider identity. His appearance, first popularized through collaborations like the 2011 Lady Gaga music video "Born This Way," laid the foundation for enduring visual motifs in media and . In visual media, Genest's story has been explored in tribute pieces and short-form documentaries that examine his transformation from street performer to fashion icon. For instance, a 2023 YouTube documentary-style video, "The Downward Spiral of Rick Genest," delves into his life, tattoos, and cultural impact, drawing on interviews and archival footage to underscore his role in normalizing extreme body art. Tattoo-focused content, such as episodes in online series like "Remy Reacts," has referenced Genest as a pivotal figure in the evolution of full-body ink, influencing discussions on pain, identity, and artistry within tattoo communities. Academic analyses of frequently cite him as a in discussions of extreme tattooing as cultural expression. Genest's likeness has also been immortalized in physical representations, including a wax statue at the Grévin Museum in , created shortly before his death but maintained as a posthumous tribute to his "Zombie Boy" persona, attracting visitors interested in his fusion of horror and high fashion. This figure serves as a static yet evocative nod to his runway presence, particularly his 2011 Thierry Mugler show where his tattoos complemented the brand's dramatic silhouettes. In , Genest's skeletal designs have echoed in contemporary collections emphasizing gothic and anatomical themes, contributing to broader trends in body-positive and alternative aesthetics. His influence extends to seasonal trends, where his look inspires elaborate Halloween costumes, with tutorials and commercial kits replicating his bone-mapped tattoos using makeup and prosthetics to evoke a "living " effect. As of 2025, Genest's legacy continues through social media tributes, including posts on platforms like and celebrating his art, self-expression, and impact on challenging beauty standards. For example, an August 2025 Instagram reel explored his life and the creation of a tribute piece honoring his story. Overall, these representations affirm Genest's role in challenging conventional beauty standards, perpetuating his story as a symbol of transformative self-expression.

References

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