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{{Short description|American actor}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Tom Woodruff Jr.
| image = Tom Woodruff Jr.jpg
| image = Tom Woodruff Jr.jpg
| caption = Image of Tom Woodruff Jr. in February of 2018.
| caption = Woodruff Jr. in 2018
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1959|01|21}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1959|01|21}}
| birth_place = [[Williamsport, Pennsylvania|Williamsport]], Pennsylvania
| birth_place = [[Williamsport, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| nationality = American
| occupation = {{flat list |
| occupation = {{flat list |
* [[actor]]
* [[Actor]]
* [[Film director|director]]
* [[Film director|director]]
* [[Film producer|producer]]
* [[Film producer|producer]]
Line 17: Line 16:
| alma_mater = [[Lycoming College]]
| alma_mater = [[Lycoming College]]
| net_worth =
| net_worth =
| spouse = Tami Spitler (m. 1983)
| spouse = {{marriage|Tami Spitler|1983}}
| children = 3
| children = 3
}}
}}
'''Tom Woodruff Jr.''' (born January 21, 1959) is an American actor, director, producer and [[special effects supervisor]]. He won an [[Academy Award for Best Visual Effects|Academy Award for Best Special Effects]] for his work on the 1992 [[dark fantasy]] film ''[[Death Becomes Her]]''; that same year he was also nominated for the same award for ''[[Alien 3]]''.
'''Tom Woodruff Jr.''' (born January 21, 1959) is an American actor, director, producer and [[special effects supervisor]]. He won an [[Academy Award for Best Visual Effects|Academy Award for Best Special Effects]] for his work on the 1992 [[dark fantasy]] film ''[[Death Becomes Her]]''; that same year he was also nominated for the same award for ''[[Alien 3]]''.


Some of his most notable works include: ''[[The Santa Clause]]'' (1994), ''[[Starship Troopers]]'' (1997), ''[[Cast Away]]'' (2000), ''[[It (2017 film)|It]]'' (2017) and ''[[Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom]]'' (2018).<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3486053/came-80s-aquatic-terror-leviathan/ | title = With horror industry heavy hitters already in place from the 1970s, the 1980s built upon that with the rise of brilliant minds in makeup and effects artists, as well as advances in technology | work = Bloody-Discusting.com | date = March 6, 2018 | access-date = March 9, 2018}}</ref>
Some of his most notable works include: ''[[Starship Troopers]]'' (1997), ''[[Cast Away]]'' (2000), ''[[It (2017 film)|It]]'' (2017) and ''[[Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom]]'' (2018).<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3486053/came-80s-aquatic-terror-leviathan/ | title = With horror industry heavy hitters already in place from the 1970s, the 1980s built upon that with the rise of brilliant minds in makeup and effects artists, as well as advances in technology | work = Bloody-Discusting.com | date = March 6, 2018 | access-date = March 9, 2018}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Woodruff Jr. was born in [[Williamsport, Pennsylvania]] on January 21, 1959. He grew up in nearby [[Loyalsock Township, Pennsylvania]] and attended [[Loyalsock Township High School]] and graduated in 1977. Upon graduating high school he enrolled at [[Lycoming College]] in [[Pennsylvania]] where he earned a dual-degree in business administration and theater.<ref>{{Cite magazine|page=14|title=A special homecoming|magazine=Lycoming magazine|issue=Spring 2011|url=https://www.lycoming.edu/aboutlycoming/pdfs/Lycoming%20Magazine%20-%20Spring%202011.pdf|publisher=[[Lycoming College]]|first=Jerry|last=Rashid}}</ref>
Woodruff was born in [[Williamsport, Pennsylvania]] on January 21, 1959. He grew up in nearby [[Loyalsock Township, Pennsylvania]] and attended [[Loyalsock Township High School]] and graduated in 1977. Upon graduating high school, he enrolled at [[Lycoming College]] in [[Pennsylvania]] where he earned a dual degree in business administration and theater.<ref name=lycoming>{{Cite magazine|page=14|title=A special homecoming|magazine=Lycoming magazine|issue=Spring 2011|url=https://www.lycoming.edu/aboutlycoming/pdfs/Lycoming%20Magazine%20-%20Spring%202011.pdf|publisher=[[Lycoming College]]|first=Jerry|last=Rashid}}</ref> Woodruff grew up a fan of films with monsters and creatures and created an interest in doing similar effects, working around the lack of materials in his city – in his own words, the only theatrical makeup supplies to be found was [[greasepaint]] at the back of a local pharmacy - such as using art class to create masks based on ''[[Planet of the Apes]]'' out of [[plaster]] bandages.<ref name=winston>[https://www.stanwinstonschool.com/blog/tom-woodruff-jr-character-creator-performer Tom Woodruff, Jr. - Creature Effects Designer & Monster Suit Performer]</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
=== Arrival in Hollywood (1980s) ===
After graduating college, Woodruff moved to Los Angeles with his wife in 1982, pursuing his dream of working with special effects.<ref name=lycoming/> He worked in a camera store while using his free time to visit studios seeking a job, and after six months he managed to become a make-up artist in the 1983 movie ''[[Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn]]''. After production wrapped one of his co-workers would bring Woodruff as a make-up assistant in ''[[Star Trek III: The Search for Spock]]'',<ref name=return/> with that film's lead make-up artist [[Thomas R. Burman|Tom Burman]] bringing Woodruff along to ''[[The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension]]''. Once Woodruff worked in 1984's ''[[The Terminator]]'' as an assistant [[special effects supervisor]],<ref>[https://stampede-entertainment.com/site/tom-woodruff-jr/ Tom Woodruff Jr.], Stampede Entertainment</ref> he would join [[Stan Winston Studios]], working with the effects crew on the 1986 films ''[[The Vindicator (film)|The Vindicator]]'' and ''[[Aliens (1986 film)|Aliens]]'', in the latter also making his debut on screen playing a Salvager.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/05/alien-xenomorph-actor | title = One of Tom Woodruff Jr.'s most abiding memories of playing an alien in the Alien movies | work = [[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] | date = May 18, 2017 | access-date = March 9, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1660819/the-worst-parts-of-playing-a-xenomorph-in-alien | title = The Worst Parts of Playing the Xenomorph in Alien | work = CinemaBlend.com | date = May 19, 2017 | access-date = March 9, 2018}}</ref> This would soon be followed by Woodruff playing many creatures in the movie he did effects for, such as [[Gill-man]] in the 1987 comedy-action film ''[[The Monster Squad]]'', the eponymous demon from ''[[Pumpkinhead (film)|Pumpkinhead]]'', and the [[Alien (creature in Alien franchise)|Alien]].

=== Amalgamated Dynamics (1990–2010) ===
In 1988, as [[Stan Winston]] prepared to direct ''[[A Gnome Named Gnorm]]'' and scale back on big effects work, Woodruff and fellow Stan Winston Studios effects supervisor Alec Gillis left his company and founded effects studio [[Amalgamated Dynamics]] in [[Chatsworth, Los Angeles]]. The company soon became highly requested in Hollywood, with movies such as ''[[Alien 3]], [[Death Becomes Her]]'' (both nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Visual Effects]], won by the latter), ''[[Demolition Man (film)|Demolition Man]], [[Wolf (1994 film)|Wolf]]'' and ''[[Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]]''.<ref>[https://nothingbutgeek.com/2018/07/vfx-artists-tom-woodruff-alec-gillis-of-studioadi-celebrate-30-years/ VFX Artists Tom Woodruff & Alec Gillis Of StudioADI Celebrate 30 Years]</ref> To date the company has worked on over 150 film and television projects, growing in size and scope, starting from just the duo working in three to four movies at once to a team of 95 people in 2004's ''[[Alien vs. Predator (film)|Alien vs. Predator]]''.<ref name=return/> In the 2010s, Woodruff has continued to do practical effects in films such as ''[[Grown Ups 2]]'', ''[[Ender's Game (film)|Ender's Game]]'', ''[[Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2]]'', ''[[Harbinger Down]]'', ''[[Unnatural (2015 film)|Unnatural]]'', ''[[It (2017 film)|It]]'', ''[[Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom]]'' and ''[[Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019 film)|Godzilla: King of the Monsters]]''.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/230844/godzilla-king-monsters-tom-woodruff-jr-working-film-practical-monster-fx-inbound/ | title = Tom Woodruff Jr working on Monsters FX Inbound | date = May 23, 2017 }}</ref>


=== Career success (1990–2010) ===
In 1993 his alma mater [[Lycoming College]] awarded Woodruff the Dr. James E. Douthat Outstanding Achievement Award for alumni.
In 1993 his alma mater [[Lycoming College]] awarded Woodruff the Dr. James E. Douthat Outstanding Achievement Award for alumni.


In early 2017 Woodruff and his company Amalgamated Dynamics announced they would be creating and designing the [[cosmetics]] for [[Pennywise (character)|Pennywise]] in the [[Andy Muschietti]] directed horror film [[It (2017 film)|''It'']]. In addition to Pennywise Woodruff and business partner Alec Gillis designed and built the dead bodies for the corridors for the film.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Zelig|first=Leonard|date=January 17, 2018|title=Interview with Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr. of Studio ADI|url=https://thefincheranalyst.com/2018/01/17/interview-with-alec-gillis-and-tom-woodruff-jr-of-studio-adi/|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=The Fincher Analyst|language=en}}</ref> Woodruff in particular designed and made the teeth for Pennywise with a great deal of comfort needed for actor [[Bill Skarsgård]] portraying Pennywise to be able to speak clearly and smile in a way needed for the film. His contributions in this area were recognized by Muschietti after the film's release when he said "... without all the hard work from Tom, Alec and all the guys Pennywise wouldn't have had such a big impact on the audience that it did.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 17, 2017|title=Practical-ly Perfect: Pennywise, Past and Present with Alec Gillis, Tom Woodruff Jr., and Bart Mixon|url=https://dailydead.com/practical-ly-perfect-pennywise-past-and-present-with-alec-gillis-tom-woodruff-jr-and-bart-mixon/|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=Daily Dead|language=en-US}}</ref>
Woodruff was first credited in the 1984 film ''[[The Terminator]]'' as an assistant [[special effects supervisor]]. In the 1980s Woodruff was a crucial part of numerous films and television programs. In 1986 he was part of the [[Stan Winston Studios]] Effects Crew on ''[[The Vindicator (film)|The Vindicator]]''. Also in 1986 Woodruff made his debut on screen, he played a Salvager and also worked as the creature effects coordinator on ''[[Aliens (1986 film)|Aliens]]''.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/05/alien-xenomorph-actor | title = One of Tom Woodruff Jr.'s most abiding memories of playing an alien in the Alien movies | work = [[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] | date = May 18, 2017 | access-date = March 9, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1660819/the-worst-parts-of-playing-a-xenomorph-in-alien | title = The Worst Parts of Playing the Xenomorph in Alien | work = CinemaBlend.com | date = May 19, 2017 | access-date = March 9, 2018}}</ref>


Woodruff and his team received praise for their work on ''It.'' They were nominated for Best Makeup by Hawaii Film Critics Society and again at the [[44th Saturn Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hammond|first=Pete|date=June 28, 2018|title='Black Panther' Tops 44th Saturn Awards With Five; 'Blade Runner 2049' , 'Shape Of Water', 'Get Out' Also Score|url=https://deadline.com/2018/06/saturn-awards-winners-black-panther-blade-runner-2049-shape-of-water-get-out-1202418606/|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=Deadline|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ryan|first=Jackson|title=The Last Jedi, Black Panther win big at the 44th Saturn Awards|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/the-last-jedi-black-panther-win-big-at-the-44th-saturn-awards/|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=CNET|language=en}}</ref>
In 1988, Woodruff and fellow [[Stan Winston]] alumni Alec Gillis founded effects studio [[Amalgamated Dynamics]], which soon became highly requested in Hollywood, with movies such as ''[[Alien 3]], [[Death Becomes Her]]'' (both nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Visual Effects]], won by the latter), ''[[Demolition Man (film)|Demolition Man]], [[Wolf (1994 film)|Wolf]]'' and ''[[Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]]''.<ref>[https://nothingbutgeek.com/2018/07/vfx-artists-tom-woodruff-alec-gillis-of-studioadi-celebrate-30-years/ VFX Artists Tom Woodruff & Alec Gillis Of StudioADI Celebrate 30 Years]</ref> In the 2010s, Woodruff has continued to do practical effects in films such as ''[[Grown Ups 2]]'', ''[[Ender's Game (film)|Ender's Game]]'', ''[[Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2]]'', ''[[Harbinger Down]]'', ''[[Unnatural (2015 film)|Unnatural]]'', ''[[It (2017 film)|It]]'', ''[[Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom]]'' and ''[[Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019 film)|Godzilla: King of the Monsters]]''.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/230844/godzilla-king-monsters-tom-woodruff-jr-working-film-practical-monster-fx-inbound/ | title = Tom Woodruff Jr working on Monsters FX Inbound | date = May 23, 2017 }}</ref> Woodruff has also played many creatures in the movie he did effects for, such as [[Gill-man]] in the 1987 comedy-action film ''[[The Monster Squad]]'', the eponymous demon from ''[[Pumpkinhead (film)|Pumpkinhead]]'', and the [[Alien (creature in Alien franchise)|Alien]].


Woodruff and Amalgamated Dynamics were the designers and builders of the life like dinosaurs in ''[[Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Failes|first=Ian|title=The Unexpected Techniques 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' Used to Create Super-Realistic FX|url=https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom-special-effects-fx|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=Thrillist|date=July 9, 2018 }}</ref>
=== ''It'' and ''Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom'' (2017–18) ===
In early 2017 Woodruff and his company Amalgamated Dynamics announced they would creating and designing the [[cosmetics]] for [[Pennywise (character)|Pennywise]] in the [[Andy Muschietti]] directed horror film [[It (2017 film)|''It'']]. In addition to Pennywise Woodruff and business partner Alec Gillis designed and built the dead bodies for the corridors for the film.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Zelig|first=Leonard|date=2018-01-17|title=Interview with Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr. of Studio ADI|url=https://thefincheranalyst.com/2018/01/17/interview-with-alec-gillis-and-tom-woodruff-jr-of-studio-adi/|access-date=2020-06-24|website=The Fincher Analyst|language=en}}</ref> Woodruff in particular designed and made the teeth for Pennywise with a great deal of comfort needed for actor [[Bill Skarsgård]] portraying Pennywise to be able to speak clearly and smile in a way needed for the film. His contributions in this area were recognized by Mushietti after films release when he said "... without all the hard work from Tom, Alec and all the guys Pennywise wouldn't have had such a big impact on the audience that it did.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-10-17|title=Practical-ly Perfect: Pennywise, Past and Present with Alec Gillis, Tom Woodruff Jr., and Bart Mixon|url=https://dailydead.com/practical-ly-perfect-pennywise-past-and-present-with-alec-gillis-tom-woodruff-jr-and-bart-mixon/|access-date=2020-06-24|website=Daily Dead|language=en-US}}</ref>

Woodruff and his team received praise for their work on ''It.'' They were nominated for Best Makeup by Hawaii Film Critics Society and again at the [[44th Saturn Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hammond|first=Pete|date=2018-06-28|title='Black Panther' Tops 44th Saturn Awards With Five; 'Blade Runner 2049' , 'Shape Of Water', 'Get Out' Also Score|url=https://deadline.com/2018/06/saturn-awards-winners-black-panther-blade-runner-2049-shape-of-water-get-out-1202418606/|access-date=2020-06-24|website=Deadline|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ryan|first=Jackson|title=The Last Jedi, Black Panther win big at the 44th Saturn Awards|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/the-last-jedi-black-panther-win-big-at-the-44th-saturn-awards/|access-date=2020-06-24|website=CNET|language=en}}</ref>

Woodruff and Amalgamated Dynamics were the designers and builders of the life like dinosaurs in ''[[Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Failes|first=Ian|title=The Unexpected Techniques 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' Used to Create Super-Realistic FX|url=https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom-special-effects-fx|access-date=2020-06-24|website=Thrillist}}</ref>


=== Recent and future projects (2019–present) ===
=== Recent and future projects (2019–present) ===
In 2019 Woodruff served as the lead creature character designer for [[Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019 film)|''Godzilla: King of the Monsters'']]. Also in 2019 he served as an [[executive producer]] for the [[short film]] ''Playtime'' which was released on March 9, 2019.<ref>{{Citation|title=Playtime|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt9908906/|access-date=2020-06-24}}</ref> He played Burke in the horror film ''[[The Mortuary Collection]]''. In 2019 it was revealed Woodruff and his company would be used during the filming of ''[[Godzilla vs. Kong]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-22|title=Godzilla Vs Kong: Release Date, Cast, Trailer, Plot And Every Detail At One Place|url=https://autofreak.com/godzilla-vs-kong-release-date-cast-trailer-plot-and-every-detail-at-one-place/47292/|access-date=2020-06-24|website=Auto Freak|language=en-US}}</ref> The film completed filming in early 2020 and Woodruff was credited as miniature effects supervisor. In late 2019 it was announced Woodruff would serve as the creature designer for the upcoming [[Guest House (2020 film)|''Guest House'']] film. Director Benjamin L. Brown confirmed Woodruff would have a role in his upcoming horror film ''Severed Road''. Woodruff is also the executive producer in the upcoming [[science fiction]] film ''[[Wellwood (film)|Wellwood]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=N'Duka|first=Amanda|date=2018-01-30|title='Game of Thrones' Actress Keisha Castle-Hughes To Produce & Star In The Indie Film 'Wellwood'|url=https://deadline.com/2018/01/keisha-castle-hughes-wellwood-indie-movie-1202274179/|access-date=2020-06-24|website=Deadline|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-02-05|title=StudioADI Providing Extraterrestrial FX to Sci-Fi Film Wellwood|url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/266115/studioadi-providing-extraterrestrial-fx-sci-fi-film-wellwood/|access-date=2020-06-24|website=Dread Central|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2019 Woodruff served as the lead creature character designer for [[Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019 film)|''Godzilla: King of the Monsters'']]. Also in 2019 he served as an [[executive producer]] for the [[short film]] ''Playtime'' which was released on March 9, 2019.<ref>{{Citation|title=Playtime|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt9908906/|access-date=June 24, 2020}}</ref> He played Burke in the horror film ''[[The Mortuary Collection]]''. In 2019 it was revealed Woodruff and his company would be used during the filming of ''[[Godzilla vs. Kong]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 22, 2020|title=Godzilla Vs Kong: Release Date, Cast, Trailer, Plot And Every Detail At One Place|url=https://autofreak.com/godzilla-vs-kong-release-date-cast-trailer-plot-and-every-detail-at-one-place/47292/|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=Auto Freak|language=en-US}}</ref> The film completed filming in early 2020 and Woodruff was credited as miniature effects supervisor. In late 2019 it was announced Woodruff would serve as the creature designer for the upcoming [[Guest House (2020 film)|''Guest House'']] film. Director Benjamin L. Brown confirmed Woodruff would have a role in his upcoming horror film ''Severed Road''. Woodruff is also the executive producer in the upcoming [[science fiction]] film ''[[Wellwood (film)|Wellwood]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=N'Duka|first=Amanda|date=January 30, 2018|title='Game of Thrones' Actress Keisha Castle-Hughes To Produce & Star In The Indie Film 'Wellwood'|url=https://deadline.com/2018/01/keisha-castle-hughes-wellwood-indie-movie-1202274179/|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=Deadline|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=February 5, 2018|title=StudioADI Providing Extraterrestrial FX to Sci-Fi Film Wellwood|url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/266115/studioadi-providing-extraterrestrial-fx-sci-fi-film-wellwood/|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=Dread Central|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2022, Woodruff worked in both ''[[Smile (2022 film)|Smile]]'' and ''[[Prey (2022 film)|Prey]]''.<ref name=winston/>

=== Business ventures ===
In 1988 Woodruff co-founded [[Amalgamated Dynamics]] a [[Special effect|special]] and [[visual effects]] company based in [[Chatsworth, Los Angeles]]. To date the company has worked on over 150 film and television projects.


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
In 1983 Woodruff married fellow Loyalsock and Lycoming grad Tami Spitler.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Award-winning Hollywood special effects creator to speak at Lycoming College|url=https://www.lycoming.edu/news/stories/2017/03/tom-woodruff-actor-special-effects-creator.aspx|access-date=2020-06-24|website=Lycoming College}}</ref> The couple have three children named David, Taylor and Connor. In 2013 Woodruff delivered the [[commencement speech]] at his alma mater [[Lycoming College]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Academy Award winner to deliver Lycoming College commencement address|url=https://www.lycoming.edu/news/stories/2018/04/commencement-address-woodruff.aspx|access-date=2020-06-24|website=Lycoming College}}</ref> In 2019 Woodruff and his wife moved back home to [[Pennsylvania]], settling back in their home-town of [[Loyalsock Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania|Loyalsock Township]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mussina|first=Mark|title=After almost 40 years, Academy Award winner returns to Williamsport's CTL|url=https://www.northcentralpa.com/community/after-almost-40-years-academy-award-winner-returns-to-williamsport-s-ctl/article_579f3afc-1715-11ea-a7db-a3d919bda610.html|access-date=2020-06-24|website=NorthcentralPA.com|language=en}}</ref> Woodruff's son, David T. Woodruff, works in special effects and costumed acting like his father today.<ref name="david woodruff">{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2850256/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm|title=David T. Woodruff's bio at IMDb.com}}</ref>
In 1983 Woodruff married fellow Loyalsock and Lycoming grad Tami Spitler.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Award-winning Hollywood special effects creator to speak at Lycoming College|url=https://www.lycoming.edu/news/stories/2017/03/tom-woodruff-actor-special-effects-creator.aspx|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=Lycoming College}}</ref> The couple have three children named David, Taylor and Connor. In 2013 Woodruff delivered the [[commencement speech]] at his alma mater [[Lycoming College]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Academy Award winner to deliver Lycoming College commencement address|url=https://www.lycoming.edu/news/stories/2018/04/commencement-address-woodruff.aspx|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=Lycoming College}}</ref> In 2019 Woodruff and his wife moved back home to [[Pennsylvania]], settling back in their home-town of [[Loyalsock Township, Pennsylvania|Loyalsock Township]].<ref name=return>{{Cite web|last=Mussina|first=Mark|title=After almost 40 years, Academy Award winner returns to Williamsport's CTL|url=https://www.northcentralpa.com/community/after-almost-40-years-academy-award-winner-returns-to-williamsport-s-ctl/article_579f3afc-1715-11ea-a7db-a3d919bda610.html|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=NorthcentralPA.com|date=December 5, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Woodruff's son, David T. Woodruff, works in special effects and costumed acting like his father today.<ref name="david woodruff">{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2850256/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm|title=David T. Woodruff's bio at IMDb.com|website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref>


== Filmography ==
== Filmography ==
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! Director
! Director
! Producer
! Producer
! Special effects
! Special effects <br> / Make-up
! Visual effects <br> / Animation
! Visual effects <br> / Animation
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|1983
!''[[Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn]]''
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|{{ya}}
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|1983
!''[[Star Trek III: The Search for Spock]]''
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|{{ya}}
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|1983
! ''[[The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension]]''
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|{{ya}}
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|1984
|1984
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|{{ya}}
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|Animatronic designer: mechanical wolf
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|rowspan="2"|1995
|rowspan="2"|1995
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|{{ya}}
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|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
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|Credited as Grid
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|-
|-
|2005
|2005
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|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
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|Portrayed Predalien
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|-
|-
!''My Cousins Keeper''
!''My Cousins Keeper''
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|
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|
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|Portrayed [[Wolfman]]
|Portrayed [[Werewolf|Wolfman]]
|-
|-
![[Old Dogs (film)|''Old Dogs'']]
![[Old Dogs (film)|''Old Dogs'']]
|{{ya}}
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|Portrayed Gorilla
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|-
|2010
|2010
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|rowspan="3"|2011
|rowspan="2"|2011
![[The Thing (2011 film)|''The Thing'']]
![[The Thing (2011 film)|''The Thing'']]
|
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|
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|-
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2012
!''[[Beautiful Wave]]''
!''[[Astronaut: The Last Push]]''
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
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|Credited as Coach Parks
|-
|-
!''[[Beautiful Wave]]''
|2012
!''[[Astronaut: The Last Push]]''
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
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|Credited as Coach Parks
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|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|2013
|rowspan="4"|2013
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|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2018
|rowspan="3"|2018
!''[[Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom]]''
!''[[Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom]]''
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|Credited as Equisapien
|Credited as Equisapien
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!''[[The Predator (film)|The Predator]]''
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|{{ya}}
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|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|2019
|rowspan="3"|2019
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|2020
|2020
!''[[Guest House (2020 film)|Guest House]]''
!''[[Guest House (2020 film)|Guest House]]''
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
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|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
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|Portrayed John
|
|-
|-
|2021
|2021
!''[[Godzilla vs. Kong]]''
!''[[Godzilla vs. Kong]]''
|
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|{{ya}}
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|-
|rowspan="2"| 2022
!''[[Prey (2022 film)|Prey]]''
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|{{ya}}
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!''[[Smile (2022 film)|Smile]]''
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|1998
|1998
|''[[Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction]]''
|''[[Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction]]''
|Gorilla
|Kirby the Gorilla
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|-
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|-
|-
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|Horror Halku
|''Horror Halku''
|Demon Rufus
|Demon Rufus
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|-
|-
|2016
|2016
|[[Zoo (TV series)|''Zoo'']]
|[[Zoo (American TV series)|''Zoo'']]
|Gorilla Suit Performer
|Gorilla Suit Performer
|
|
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* Alec Gillis
* Alec Gillis
|-
|2023
|[[Fangoria Chainsaw Awards]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilchrist |first=Todd |date=January 27, 2023 |title=Jordan Peele's 'Nope,' Ti West's 'Pearl' Lead Fangoria's Chainsaw Award Nominations |url=https://variety.com/2023/awards/news/fangoria-2023-chainsaw-awards-nominations-1235502663/ |access-date=May 23, 2023 |website=[[Variety (website)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
|Best Creature FX
|[[Prey (2022 film)|''Prey'']]
|{{won}}
|Nomination shared with

* Alec Gillis
|-
|}
|}


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[[Category:Male actors from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Male actors from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Lycoming College alumni]]
[[Category:Lycoming College alumni]]
[[Category:Best Visual Effects Academy Award winners]]

Latest revision as of 20:13, 30 October 2024

Tom Woodruff Jr.
Woodruff Jr. in 2018
Born (1959-01-21) January 21, 1959 (age 65)
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Alma materLycoming College
Occupations
Years active1984–present
Spouse
Tami Spitler
​
(m. 1983)​
Children3

Tom Woodruff Jr. (born January 21, 1959) is an American actor, director, producer and special effects supervisor. He won an Academy Award for Best Special Effects for his work on the 1992 dark fantasy film Death Becomes Her; that same year he was also nominated for the same award for Alien 3.

Some of his most notable works include: Starship Troopers (1997), Cast Away (2000), It (2017) and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).[1]

Early life

[edit]

Woodruff was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on January 21, 1959. He grew up in nearby Loyalsock Township, Pennsylvania and attended Loyalsock Township High School and graduated in 1977. Upon graduating high school, he enrolled at Lycoming College in Pennsylvania where he earned a dual degree in business administration and theater.[2] Woodruff grew up a fan of films with monsters and creatures and created an interest in doing similar effects, working around the lack of materials in his city – in his own words, the only theatrical makeup supplies to be found was greasepaint at the back of a local pharmacy - such as using art class to create masks based on Planet of the Apes out of plaster bandages.[3]

Career

[edit]

Arrival in Hollywood (1980s)

[edit]

After graduating college, Woodruff moved to Los Angeles with his wife in 1982, pursuing his dream of working with special effects.[2] He worked in a camera store while using his free time to visit studios seeking a job, and after six months he managed to become a make-up artist in the 1983 movie Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn. After production wrapped one of his co-workers would bring Woodruff as a make-up assistant in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,[4] with that film's lead make-up artist Tom Burman bringing Woodruff along to The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension. Once Woodruff worked in 1984's The Terminator as an assistant special effects supervisor,[5] he would join Stan Winston Studios, working with the effects crew on the 1986 films The Vindicator and Aliens, in the latter also making his debut on screen playing a Salvager.[6][7] This would soon be followed by Woodruff playing many creatures in the movie he did effects for, such as Gill-man in the 1987 comedy-action film The Monster Squad, the eponymous demon from Pumpkinhead, and the Alien.

Amalgamated Dynamics (1990–2010)

[edit]

In 1988, as Stan Winston prepared to direct A Gnome Named Gnorm and scale back on big effects work, Woodruff and fellow Stan Winston Studios effects supervisor Alec Gillis left his company and founded effects studio Amalgamated Dynamics in Chatsworth, Los Angeles. The company soon became highly requested in Hollywood, with movies such as Alien 3, Death Becomes Her (both nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, won by the latter), Demolition Man, Wolf and Starship Troopers.[8] To date the company has worked on over 150 film and television projects, growing in size and scope, starting from just the duo working in three to four movies at once to a team of 95 people in 2004's Alien vs. Predator.[4] In the 2010s, Woodruff has continued to do practical effects in films such as Grown Ups 2, Ender's Game, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, Harbinger Down, Unnatural, It, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Godzilla: King of the Monsters.[9]

In 1993 his alma mater Lycoming College awarded Woodruff the Dr. James E. Douthat Outstanding Achievement Award for alumni.

In early 2017 Woodruff and his company Amalgamated Dynamics announced they would be creating and designing the cosmetics for Pennywise in the Andy Muschietti directed horror film It. In addition to Pennywise Woodruff and business partner Alec Gillis designed and built the dead bodies for the corridors for the film.[10] Woodruff in particular designed and made the teeth for Pennywise with a great deal of comfort needed for actor Bill Skarsgård portraying Pennywise to be able to speak clearly and smile in a way needed for the film. His contributions in this area were recognized by Muschietti after the film's release when he said "... without all the hard work from Tom, Alec and all the guys Pennywise wouldn't have had such a big impact on the audience that it did.[11]

Woodruff and his team received praise for their work on It. They were nominated for Best Makeup by Hawaii Film Critics Society and again at the 44th Saturn Awards.[12][13]

Woodruff and Amalgamated Dynamics were the designers and builders of the life like dinosaurs in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.[14]

Recent and future projects (2019–present)

[edit]

In 2019 Woodruff served as the lead creature character designer for Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Also in 2019 he served as an executive producer for the short film Playtime which was released on March 9, 2019.[15] He played Burke in the horror film The Mortuary Collection. In 2019 it was revealed Woodruff and his company would be used during the filming of Godzilla vs. Kong.[16] The film completed filming in early 2020 and Woodruff was credited as miniature effects supervisor. In late 2019 it was announced Woodruff would serve as the creature designer for the upcoming Guest House film. Director Benjamin L. Brown confirmed Woodruff would have a role in his upcoming horror film Severed Road. Woodruff is also the executive producer in the upcoming science fiction film Wellwood.[17][18] In 2022, Woodruff worked in both Smile and Prey.[3]

Personal life

[edit]

In 1983 Woodruff married fellow Loyalsock and Lycoming grad Tami Spitler.[19] The couple have three children named David, Taylor and Connor. In 2013 Woodruff delivered the commencement speech at his alma mater Lycoming College.[20] In 2019 Woodruff and his wife moved back home to Pennsylvania, settling back in their home-town of Loyalsock Township.[4] Woodruff's son, David T. Woodruff, works in special effects and costumed acting like his father today.[21]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Tom Woodruff Jr. filmography
Year Work Role Notes
Actor Director Producer Special effects
/ Make-up 		Visual effects
/ Animation
1983 Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn Yes
1983 Star Trek III: The Search for Spock Yes
1983 The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension Yes
1984 The Terminator Yes
1986 Aliens Yes Yes Credited as Salvager
The Vindicator Yes
Invaders from Mars Yes
1987 The Monster Squad Yes Yes Portrayed Gill-man
1988 Pumpkinhead Yes Portrayed Pumpkinhead
Alien Nation Yes
1989 Leviathan Yes Yes
1990 Tremors Yes Yes Credited as Grabboid
1992 Alien 3 Yes Yes Credited as Lead Alien
Death Becomes Her Yes
1993 Demolition Man Yes
1994 Wolf Yes Animatronic designer: mechanical wolf
1995 Mortal Kombat Yes Yes Credited as Goro
Jumanji Yes Yes
1996 Michael Yes
Tremors 2: Aftershocks Yes
1997 Alien Resurrection Yes
Starship Troopers Yes
1998 The X-Files Yes Yes
1999 My Favorite Martian Yes
2000 Hollow Man Yes
Cast Away Yes
Mattress of Solitude Yes Short film; portrayed Batman
Bedazzled Yes
2001 Evolution Yes Yes
Bubble Boy Yes
Tremors 3: Back to Perfection Yes
2002 John Q. Yes
The Santa Clause 2 Yes
2003 Looney Tunes: Back in Action Yes Yes
Scary Movie 3 Yes
2004 Tremors 4: The Legend Begins Yes
Alien vs. Predator Yes Yes Credited as Grid
2005 Elektra Yes Yes
2006 Failure to Launch Yes
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause Yes Yes
2007 Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem Yes Yes Portrayed Predalien
My Cousins Keeper Yes Yes Yes
2009 Race to Witch Mountain Yes Credited as Siphon
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant Yes Portrayed Wolfman
Old Dogs Yes Portrayed Gorilla
2010 Skyline Yes
2011 The Thing Yes
Zookeeper Yes Yes
2012 Astronaut: The Last Push Yes
Beautiful Wave Yes Credited as Coach Parks
2013 Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters Yes
Fire City: King of Miseries Yes Yes
Grown Ups 2 Yes
Ender's Game Yes
2015 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 Yes
Harbinger Down Yes Yes
Kids vs Monsters Yes
Unnatural Yes
2016 Change of Heart Yes Yes
2017 It Yes
2018 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Yes
Sorry to Bother You Yes Credited as Equisapien
The Predator Yes
2019 Godzilla: King of the Monsters Yes
Playtime Yes
The Mortuary Collection Yes Credited as Burke
2020 Guest House Yes Yes Portrayed John
2021 Godzilla vs. Kong Yes
2022 Prey Yes
Smile Yes
TBA Severed Road Yes
TBA Wellwood Yes

Television

[edit]
Year Series Role Notes
1989 Monsters Herbert
1990 Tales from the Crypt Utility Monster
1998 Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction Kirby the Gorilla
1999 Chicago Hope Stevie
1999 Seven Days Kiki the Gorilla
2011 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Bernie the Gorilla
2012 Harry's Law Gorilla
2013 Blood and Guts with Scott Ian Himself
Horror Halku Demon Rufus
2016 Zoo Gorilla Suit Performer
2019 Room 104 Elmer

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Ceremony Category Film Result Notes
1991 Saturn Awards Best Special Effects Tremors Nominated Nomination shared with
  • Alec Gillis
1992 Academy Awards Best Visual Effects Death Becomes Her Won Win shared with
Alien 3 Nominated Nomination shared with
British Academy Film Awards Best Special Effects Death Becomes Her Won Win shared with
  • Ken Ralston
  • Alec Gillis
  • George Gibbs
Alien 3 Nominated Nomination shared with
  • Richard Edlund
  • Alec Gillis
  • George Gibbs
1993 Awards Circuit Community Best Special Effects Death Becomes Her Won Win shared with
  • Ken Ralston
  • Alec Gillis
  • George Gibbs
Alien 3 Nominated Nomination shared with
  • Richard Edlund
  • Alec Gillis
  • George Gibbs
Saturn Awards Best Special Effects Death Becomes Her Won Win shared with
  • Ken Ralston
  • Alec Gillis
  • George Gibbs
Alien 3 Nominated Nomination shared with
  • Richard Edlund
  • Alec Gillis
  • George Gibbs
1995 Saturn Awards Best Make-Up The Santa Clause Nominated Nomination shared with
  • Alec Gillis
1998 Saturn Awards Best Special Effects Starship Troopers Won Win shared with
Alien Resurrection Nominated Nomination shared with
  • Erik Henry
  • Alec Gillis
1999 Saturn Awards Best Make-Up The X-Files Nominated Nomination shared with
2001 Saturn Awards The 6th Day Nominated Nomination shared with
2012 Rondo Hatton Awards Best Short Film Joe Comes to Life Nominated —
Saturn Awards Best Make-Up The Thing Nominated Nomination shared with
  • Alec Gillis
2017 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Best Makeup & SFX The Monster Won Win shared with
  • Alec Gillis
2018 Hawaii Film Critics Society Best Makeup It Nominated Nomination shared with
  • Alec Gillis
44th Saturn Awards Best Makeup It Nominated Nomination shared with
  • Alec Gillis
2023 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards[22] Best Creature FX Prey Won Nomination shared with
  • Alec Gillis

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "With horror industry heavy hitters already in place from the 1970s, the 1980s built upon that with the rise of brilliant minds in makeup and effects artists, as well as advances in technology". Bloody-Discusting.com. March 6, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  2. ^ a b Rashid, Jerry. "A special homecoming" (PDF). Lycoming magazine. No. Spring 2011. Lycoming College. p. 14.
  3. ^ a b Tom Woodruff, Jr. - Creature Effects Designer & Monster Suit Performer
  4. ^ a b c Mussina, Mark (December 5, 2019). "After almost 40 years, Academy Award winner returns to Williamsport's CTL". NorthcentralPA.com. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  5. ^ Tom Woodruff Jr., Stampede Entertainment
  6. ^ "One of Tom Woodruff Jr.'s most abiding memories of playing an alien in the Alien movies". Vanity Fair. May 18, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  7. ^ "The Worst Parts of Playing the Xenomorph in Alien". CinemaBlend.com. May 19, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  8. ^ VFX Artists Tom Woodruff & Alec Gillis Of StudioADI Celebrate 30 Years
  9. ^ "Tom Woodruff Jr working on Monsters FX Inbound". May 23, 2017.
  10. ^ Zelig, Leonard (January 17, 2018). "Interview with Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr. of Studio ADI". The Fincher Analyst. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  11. ^ "Practical-ly Perfect: Pennywise, Past and Present with Alec Gillis, Tom Woodruff Jr., and Bart Mixon". Daily Dead. October 17, 2017. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  12. ^ Hammond, Pete (June 28, 2018). "'Black Panther' Tops 44th Saturn Awards With Five; 'Blade Runner 2049' , 'Shape Of Water', 'Get Out' Also Score". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  13. ^ Ryan, Jackson. "The Last Jedi, Black Panther win big at the 44th Saturn Awards". CNET. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  14. ^ Failes, Ian (July 9, 2018). "The Unexpected Techniques 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' Used to Create Super-Realistic FX". Thrillist. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  15. ^ Playtime, retrieved June 24, 2020
  16. ^ "Godzilla Vs Kong: Release Date, Cast, Trailer, Plot And Every Detail At One Place". Auto Freak. June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  17. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (January 30, 2018). "'Game of Thrones' Actress Keisha Castle-Hughes To Produce & Star In The Indie Film 'Wellwood'". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  18. ^ "StudioADI Providing Extraterrestrial FX to Sci-Fi Film Wellwood". Dread Central. February 5, 2018. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  19. ^ "Award-winning Hollywood special effects creator to speak at Lycoming College". Lycoming College. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  20. ^ "Academy Award winner to deliver Lycoming College commencement address". Lycoming College. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  21. ^ "David T. Woodruff's bio at IMDb.com". IMDb.
  22. ^ Gilchrist, Todd (January 27, 2023). "Jordan Peele's 'Nope,' Ti West's 'Pearl' Lead Fangoria's Chainsaw Award Nominations". Variety. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
[edit]
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