Gene's entry into the world was marked by a profound connection to the captivating realm of motion pictures, as his mother, an accomplished actress, and his father, a seasoned producer/director, set the stage for his future endeavors. This familial background, steeped in the art of storytelling, instilled in Gene a deep-seated desire to follow in the footsteps of his parents, whose collective experience and expertise in the television industry provided him with a unique opportunity to hone his skills and learn the intricacies of the craft. As he grew and developed, Gene found himself working alongside his father on various television shows, initially taking on roles as an actor or, alternatively, serving as an extra, allowing him to gain valuable insight into the production process and develop a profound appreciation for the collaborative nature of the industry.
Gene's parents, both accomplished professionals in their own right, had a profound impact on his development as a filmmaker. His mother, an actress of great talent and dedication, brought a level of passion and commitment to her craft that was contagious and inspiring. His father, a seasoned producer/director with a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of the industry, provided Gene with valuable guidance and mentorship, helping him to develop his own unique perspective and approach to filmmaking.
As Gene worked alongside his father on various television shows, he was able to gain a wealth of experience and knowledge, learning from his father's expertise and developing his own skills as a filmmaker. He took on a variety of roles, from actor to extra, and was able to gain a deep understanding of the production process and the collaborative nature of the industry. This experience not only helped him to develop his own skills and style, but also gave him a unique perspective on the industry and a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling.
Throughout his life, Gene has been driven by a desire to follow in the footsteps of his parents, to make a name for himself in the television industry and to leave a lasting impact on the world of filmmaking. He has been blessed with a unique combination of talent, dedication, and a deep understanding of the industry, and has been able to use these gifts to make a real difference in the world.
Gene's educational odyssey began during his formative school years, a pivotal period marked by a deliberate decision to diverge from the conventional educational path. He opted to enroll in a renowned beauty college, an institution renowned for its excellence in the fields of makeup and hair design. This esteemed establishment provided Gene with a thorough grounding in the art of beauty, which he approached with a meticulous dedication, meticulously studying and mastering each technique. His academic accomplishments were a testament to his remarkable aptitude for the subject matter, as he successfully completed not one, but two courses with honors, a remarkable achievement that underscored his unwavering commitment to his studies.
Gene embarked on a journey of self-discovery and professional growth, as he transitioned from the early stages of his training to a new chapter in his life. His exceptional aptitude and unwavering dedication earned him a coveted spot on the U.S.S. Enterprise, a cutting-edge naval aircraft carrier, where he not only honed his skills as a medic but also demonstrated his versatility by taking on the additional responsibility of communications specialist.
For a duration of six months, Gene was immersed in the fast-paced and dynamic environment of active duty, where he was exposed to a wide range of challenges and opportunities. Upon completing this stint, he was formally welcomed into the elite UDT-SEAL program, headquartered in the picturesque city of San Diego, California.
Gene's life took a dramatic turn as he embarked on a six-year odyssey in Southeast Asia, a journey that would have a profound and lasting impact on his existence. As he transitioned back to civilian life in 1970, he seized the opportunity to refine his skills through the Make-up Apprenticeship Program at Universal City Studios, where he was fortunate enough to learn from the esteemed masters, Bud Westmore and Tom Gigante, renowned experts in their field.
Gene's professional trajectory commenced with a distinctive dual pursuit, allocating his weekends to the prestigious Max Factor Make-up studios in Hollywood, a tenure that lasted a substantial nearly three years. This part-time yet pivotal experience, though not a full-time commitment, undoubtedly refined his skills and profoundly expanded his comprehension of the art of makeup, laying the groundwork for a distinguished career in the industry.
Gene's remarkable journey within the entertainment industry commenced in 1973, marked by a courageous decision to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia, where he took on the esteemed responsibility of heading the Make-up Department for a prominent local production company, thus setting the stage for a distinguished career spanning over two decades.
Throughout his 23-year tenure, Gene has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication and an unrelenting passion for his craft, solidifying his reputation as an indispensable asset within the industry.
Gene has capitalized on the vast reservoir of knowledge and experience he accumulated during his distinguished and storied career in the United States Navy, ultimately transitioning into a highly respected and sought-after technical advisor on a diverse array of prominent and acclaimed films, including the critically acclaimed and thought-provoking "VietNam War Story", the visually stunning and awe-inspiring "The Abyss", the gripping and intense "Flight of the Intruder", and the high-energy and action-packed "U.S. Navy SEALs".
Gene's illustrious career, spanning over three decades, has been a testament to his unwavering dedication to the realm of cosmetics, where he has meticulously honed his skills as a make-up artist, ultimately culminating in the creation of a comprehensive course of study that meticulously delves into the intricate art and science of prosthetic make-up molding, casting, and application, specifically tailored to meet the dynamic and fast-paced demands of the motion picture industry.
For an impressive duration of over thirteen years, he has been an indispensable and devoted member of the medical community, discharging his responsibilities with unwavering dedication and commitment, and subsequently, he has had the privilege of serving as a highly respected and sought-after advisor and consultant to two esteemed and influential organizations that have made substantial and notable advancements in the ongoing battle against cancer, specifically the American Cancer Research Council and the American Cancer Society, whose tireless efforts have contributed significantly to the global fight against this devastating disease.
Gene has played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and executing innovative prosthetic devices that are meticulously designed to address the unique requirements of individuals who have experienced cerebrovascular accidents, thereby significantly enhancing their overall quality of life and streamlining the recovery process.
Gene has dedicated a substantial amount of time and energy to the pursuit of cancer research, leveraging his profound expertise to design and implement groundbreaking and efficacious strategies aimed at mitigating the devastating effects of this pernicious disease.
Gene's artistic expertise extends beyond the realm of special effects makeup, as he has also delved into the realm of restorative makeup applications, skillfully harnessing his creative abilities to craft lifelike and realistic appearances for individuals who have undergone reconstructive surgeries or are living with various skin conditions, thereby restoring their confidence and self-esteem.
