Tibor Farkas Sr. was a visionary in the prosthetics and makeup effects industry, leaving an indelible mark in film and television. In 1970, fresh out of high school, he boarded a bus bound for California with little more than a dream. Arriving in Hollywood he began knocking on doors. His persistence paid off when Oscar-winning makeup artist John Chambers spotted a spark of talent in the young Tibor. Soon, he found himself among the 200 makeup artists bringing the simian world to life in Escape from the Planet of the Apes and Return to Planet of the Apes, a formative chapter in his remarkable career.

After honing his craft in Hollywood, Tibor’s path took him north to Vancouver British Columbia, where he sought to put down roots and start a family. In the early 1970s, he founded the city’s first Makeup Effects shop, a bold venture that cemented his reputation as a pioneer. His expertise quickly caught the attention of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), where he became a respected authority in their prosthetics department, shaping the industry in Canada with his innovative spirit and hands-on artistry.

In the realm of entertainment, he lent his talents to a variety of notable projects. On television, he designed for the science fiction series The Outer Limits, crafting otherworldly effects, and the popular crime drama 21 Jump Street, ageing the entire cast. His film credits, including the horror classic Friday the 13th Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan, bringing terrifying visuals to life, and Needful Things, a Stephen King adaptation. Beyond the screen, Tibor collaborated with major toy companies like Hasbro, Mattel, and Milton Bradley. These credits are just a snapshot of his extensive body of work.

Tibor’s collaborated with some of the most iconic names in entertainment. His artistry transformed the likes of Johnny Depp, Catherine O’Hara, Ben Cross, Sting, Lou Diamond Phillips, Ray Liotta, and Lou Ferrigno, among others. Whether crafting intricate prosthetics or enhancing a character’s essence, Tibor’s work left a lasting impression on screen.

Beyond his own contributions to film and television, Tibor played a pivotal role in building Vancouver’s special effects community. He gave a start to talented artists like Bill Terezakis and Toby Lindala—two big names in the industry—who went on to become leading figures in their own right. His mentorship left a lasting legacy, cementing his place as a foundational influence in Canadian special make-up effects..

Tibor Farkas Passed away in 1999 after a battle from Lung Cancer.

Click below for some photos from Vancouver film history.