Zombie Boy Rick Genest, Lady Gaga and Nicola Formichetti Muse, Has Died

Rick Genest, 32-year-old fashion muse and self-proclaimed “sideshow performer,” has died from an apparent suicide. He was recognizable for his head-to-toe tattoos, especially the one on his face that made him look like a skeleton. Genest started out in his home country of Canada, eventually starring in his own circus show called Lucifer’s Blasphemous Mad Macabre Torture Carnival, and was widely known as Zombie Boy and Rico the Zombie.

He first came into the fashion world’s consciousness when he was scouted via social media by Nicola Formichetti around 2010. The designer tapped Genest to star in a Mugler campaign the following year and cast him in the menswear show. Lady Gaga also hired Genest to appear in her music video for “Born This Way.” Yesterday the singer shared a heartwarming tribute to her dear friend and collaborator, writing on Twitter: “The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy, is beyond devastating.” She went on to implore her followers to discuss mental health openly and honestly and to reach out to a friend or family member if they are suffering and in need of help.

Likewise, Formichetti expressed his sadness via Twitter. “Absolutely heartbroken,” he wrote. “Rest in Power, Zombie Boy. Sending all my condolences and love to Rico’s family and friends.” Formichetti also shared the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Genest’s death comes on the heels of Kate Spade’s and Anthony Bourdain’s suicides and raises more questions about the state of mental health not only in this country. As Lady Gaga wrote: “We have to work harder to change the culture, bring mental health to the forefront, and erase the stigma that we can’t talk about it.”

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255 or visit Speakingofsuicide.com/resources for additional resources.