RIP Chucky and Crypt Keeper puppeteer Brock Winkless

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

The make-up effects community has lost a beloved name in the field. N. Brock Winkless IV (often known as Brock Winkless) died July 18th in Los Angeles due to complications from a debilitating neurological condition. He was 56.

While Winkless may not be a household name, you’ve certainly seen his work. He was a Chucky puppeteer on CHILD’S PLAY 1-3 and BRIDE OF CHUCKY; helped the Crypt Keeper find life on HBO’s Tales from the Crypt as well as TALES FROM THE CRYPT PRESENTS: DEMON KNIGHT; contributed to the puppets in DEATH BECOMES HER, CONGO and THE X-FILES movie, and lent his skills to ALIEN 3 and TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY.

Said make-up great Kevin Yagher, with whom Winkless worked on many of the above titles:

Sometimes the kindest of people are struck with hardship and suffering. I ask myself ‘Why … why them?’ Brock Winkless was one of those. Not only a man of many talents, he was a soft-spoken, thoughtful and gentle human being with a unique sense of humor. It was simply my utmost pleasure and an absolute honor to know him. I know that everyone who knew Brock will miss him dearly. May God bless Brock Winkless. I love you, brother.”