In 1981 he was the very first recipient of the Oscar for Best Make-Up for "An American Werewolf in London" when the category was first introduced. Baker appeared in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video as the hobbling zombie whose arm falls off.Interesting details about Baker's career, especially his early fascination with gorillas and his work in three movies featuring them is told in the TV documentary "Gorillas: Primal Contact."Formed the Cinovation Studios in 1981.He attended Northview High School, Covina California. In high school Rick made his own gorilla costume and would sometime be found swinging from the football field goal posts. He also would go to drive-in movies showing Planet of the Apes, secretly change into his ape outfit and sneak up to occupants of cars watching the movie scaring them out of their wits.The Michael Jackson song Threatened (2001) is dedicated to him. They worked together on Thriller and Captain EO.Baker owns a framed photo of Jack Pierce applying the finishing touches to Boris Karloff's famous Frankenstein make-up; the photo has been doctored by Baker to appear as if Baker and Pierce are applying the make-up together.Holds the record for the most Academy Award wins and nominations bestowed upon makeup artists. He has been nominated a total of twelve times with seven wins ( An American Werewolf in London (1981), Harry and the Hendersons (1987), Ed Wood (1994), The Nutty Professor (1996), Men in Black (1997), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), The Wolfman (2010).Baker owns a framed photo of Jack Pierce applying the finishing touches on Boris Karloff's famous Frankenstein make-up; the photo has been doctored by Baker to appear as if Baker and Pierce are applying the make-up together.