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BORN
1939
DIED
2017
Basil Gogos Obituary
Gogos died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, according to an announcement made on his Facebook page. The 78-year-old leaves behind a body of work adored by fans of horror and fantasy.
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He may not be a household name, but his paintings have been a part of popular culture for decades. In 1960 he began illustrating the covers of “Famous Monsters of Filmland,” a groundbreaking magazine celebrating horror movies and their fandom. His lurid paintings of stars like Vincent Price and Christopher Lee — and iconic characters like Dracula and Frankenstein — dared readers to pick up a copy.
Many of the films were in black & white, but on canvas Gogos would bathe his subjects in every color of the rainbow. He reveled in the grotesque, but somehow made his monsters sympathetic and appealing. For fans, he became the gold standard of horror illustration, inspiring many stylistic imitators.
Some fans who grew up seeing his artwork on magazines later became his patrons. Musicians in particular, like Rob Zombie, and The Misfits, commissioned him to create album artwork.
Today it's more common than ever for pop-culture horror to be seriously as art. But Gogos's paintings took that art seriously all along, making the creatures who go bump in the night fit for a gallery wall.
Memories and Condolences
for Basil Gogos
30 Entries
Samantha Curtis
May 2, 2021
Bill...having moved out of nyc years ago, I was saddened to see you have passed. I loved your work and was anxious to show you mine. I was visiting Marta in 5b when I learned you were gone. I enjoyed our talks.
April 4, 2018
Basil taught me to turn my monsters into flaming lighthouses of beauty and inspiration. Thank you Basil, you will be greatly missed and never forgotten. -Raymond Pierce (Rancho Cucamonga,CA)
A Neighbor
November 5, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 10, 2017
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss. I hope you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow.
A Caring Neighbor
September 30, 2017
Offering my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family Of Basil. May God grant solace to the family during this most challenging time. Basil was truly an amazing and talented man of integrity. He will be truly missed. With Love & Prayers
Madelyn Jordon
September 27, 2017
We'll remember him fondly...he was always there for you Linda!
Justin Allen
September 27, 2017
One of the nicest, down to earth dudes. His work will always be remembered as a timeless inspiration for the world to enjoy.
September 25, 2017
My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. May God's promise of providing escape from death in the family help you in your time of grief. Psalms 68:20.
September 24, 2017
May the God of all comfort be with Mr. Gogos's family, friends and fans during your period of mourning.
John Rossi
September 21, 2017
It was a true pleasure to meet this amazing man. Rest in Peace.
P
September 20, 2017
May God grant the family of Basil Gogos the peace from above
My prayers are with you
Carlotta
September 19, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Gogol family and friends at this difficult time.
September 19, 2017
My heartfelt sympathy to the family on the passing of your love one please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Cye
Jon & Lise Thorson
September 18, 2017
Our condolences. Basil was a dear man and wonderful artist.
September 18, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
September 18, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gary Smith
September 18, 2017
Simply the best monster artist ever.
September 18, 2017
My condolences to the family.
Scott Chamberland
September 18, 2017
Rest in Peace
September 17, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Christian
September 17, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Basil Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
September 17, 2017
Truly sorry to hear of Basil Gogos' passing. His fine legacy will truly be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! Luke23:43)
Marianne Tenkate
September 16, 2017
I've been following his work for years back to the late 70s we used to we used to go to an old bookstore in Passaic New Jersey and Purchase horror magazines think it was called Horror in .... his art is incredible! Condolences to family and friends
Michael McGlasson
September 16, 2017
I met Mr. Gogos at a Fanex Convention in 1994. He was one of the most kindest and courteous of all persons I've met over the last 40 years in the field of horror art. I have one of his prints (Lon Chaney as the Phantom) double-signed and dated. We won't see his kind again, I'm afraid. MGM
Dave Mann
September 16, 2017
I am the proud owner of a Basil Gogos original with Lon Chaney as the "Phantom of the Opera". Everyone who sees it in my home, is taken by it.
Basil had such talent and vision. And his artwork will live forever.
My condolences to his family.
Harry Simpson
September 16, 2017
Godspeed Basil, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Richard Pinto
September 16, 2017
God Bless you Basil. Your magazine covers fascinated me as a child and to this day. As an adult I was fortunate to meet you and find out what a kind soul you where. RIP Mr.Gogos
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
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