Rick “Zombie Boy” Genest, best known for co-starring in Lady Gaga‘s “Born This Way” video, has died from an apparent suicide TMZ is reporting. He was 32 years old.
Genest gained notoriety for holding the world record for the most bone tattoos, clocking in at over 139 in total. According to Vogue, he came from a circus performance background in Canada, starting off with his own show called “Lucifer’s Blasphemous Mad Macabre Torture Carnival.” And then in 2010, he had his first big break after being scouted by Nicola Formichetti to star in Thierry Mugler‘s menswear show.
Lady Gaga took to social media to share her thoughts on the passing of Genest. She tweeted:
The suicide of friend Rick Genest, Zombie Boy is beyond devastating. 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 suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other.
Science tells us that it takes 21 days to form a habit, if you are suffering from Mental Health issue I beckon for today to be your first day or a continuation of the work you’ve been doing. Reach out if you’re in pain, and if you know someone who is, reach out to them too.
Kindness and mental health aren’t one time practices. They aren’t just to do list items. This fall, in partnership with @btwfoundation, I’ll explore the power of habits to build cultures of kindness and wellness.
She concluded her tweets with a call to action for people to sign-up for updates from her Born This Way Foundation.
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Formichetti wrote a tribute as well. “Absolutely heartbroken. Rest in Power, Zombie Boy,” he wrote, alongside a photo of him with Genest and Lady Gaga. “Sending all my condolences and love to Rico’s family and friends. If you ever need help, reach out. 1-800-273-8255 is the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You’re not alone.”
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lauraspencer
Sad, but not surprising. Someone who goes to such extremes to cover themselves up with tattoos is sending a message about their mental state. RIP.
Josh447
I see no disrespect in your comment, just a very astute observation. He had a tumor removed from his brain during his life and had battled with mental health issues for a very long time. This article didn’t really explain his trek very well regarding mental health. But those tattoos would bring an extra stress to an already difficult life. The rejection alone could be quite devastating.
I can tell he is a good soul. RIP.
gettham
And such a disrespectful comment was a given.
Having tattoos, even if they cover a lot of places on your body, or places that aren’t common for tattoos, doesn’t mean you have mental health issues.
Vince
Sorry but looking at him I can’t get on board with a whole mentally healthy thing. Regardless though. I feel sorrow for the guy.
lauraspencer
He didn’t cover himself with rainbows, unicorns or the classic “mom” tattoos. His theme was about death. He made himself look like a living skeleton. You don’t have to be Jessica Fletcher or Nancy Drew to get a clue. Lady Gaga says we need to talk about it. It seems that he was “talking” about it, but not verbally.
topshelf
I didn’t find the comment disrespectful at all. There’s nothing wrong with tattoos. But, just like many behaviors, there is a point where the behavior takes over.
Joe Dalmas
The comment was not disrespectful at all, and while being covered in tattoos is not in itself a sign of mental health, his particularly morbid tattoos and the implied conscious or not desire for rejection does not bode well for his mental state. May he rest in peace.
Lacuevaman
suicide may have been part of his “grand plan”.
better to kill one’s self as a statement of being f’ed up than killing first graders or queers in a bar, or high school students or …………..
good riddance to bad rubbish!
Captain proton
may you soon follow in his footsteps
Virpilosus
God, what an offensively ignorant comment from someone who could not possibly know any real facts, nor the person whose life ended so soon. Judgments like yours, so quick and harsh, make the world uglier.
ElPillo
Lacuevaman, you are a nasty person.
Lacuevaman
just call em as i see em. no apologies.
dwes09
You don’t “call ’em as you see ’em”. You call them as an apparently mean spirited and dull intellect imagines them.
“Bad rubbish” is more correctly applied to your post than to the life of someone whose struggles, intentions, and social circle you know nothing about!
Lacuevaman
kisses all-round
Thad
OK, I don’t like tattoos. But tattooed people? They never stopped being people. I have to look beyond the outside…so I learned to do that. It”s been worthwhile.
ZombieBoy, I’m sorry you were in so much pain.
Lady Gaga, thank you for your big beautiful heart.
Birdbrain1963
Admin, Please block this piece of crap troll, Lacuevaman…
nitejonboy
I agree with those that say the tattoos were more than likely part of a cry for help..a sign he clearly wasn’t happy…there’s a difference between not being a happy go lucky guy and not being happy on the inside. I pray he’s at peace now.
Donston
Yes, shielding your entire body with ink, especially with a persistent theme of death, is often a sign of some things going on. It’s what sometimes makes “queerness” problematic. People get attention and exploited and money for being “quirky”, which isn’t always helpful when there’s issues.
jdr11201
How sad to see a young man so beautiful dye so young you will always be in our hearts and mind Rico Rest In Peace mi amigo.
brianlange
I am right this minute trying to line up support for a foundation that 1. Prevents suicide 2. Hey the boys into rehab 3. Get the education so they can get four of the sex industry. I have reached out to the CEO of a one of the top porn houses plus a model that is now transgender…Wish me luck
Lacuevaman
you need help yourself