Zombie Boy
Rick Genest
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When Rico Genest was young, he had a brain tumor and was stuck in the hospital for “quite a bit” as he said in the interview. He was given the nickname “Zombie Boy” when he was told he most likely wouldn’t survive, and somehow did. Growing up he lived in Montreal, and in the area he was in tattoos were a very common form of self expression. It was apart of his culture. As he grew older and older the tattoos accumulated, and he quickly became a “sideshow freak”. He was heavily interested in horror movies, punk rock, and freak shows growing up, which is what inspired his morbid tattoos.
He quickly became fascinating to many people. Including those in the fashion industry. Rico became a successful model, actor, musician, and artist practically overnight. In a culture infatuated with youth, where people are repulsed and horrified by the idea of death, it’s surprising Rico is so successful. He is a constant reminder of the inevitability of death regardless of his age. He is also a reminder that regardless of how “strange” you might be, if you work hard enough and show who you truly are you can find success. |