Rick Genest Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Movies & TV Shows, Death, Awards, Partner

Rick Genest was a Canadian artist, actor, fashion model, and musician recognized worldwide for his extensive full-body tattoos depicting a skeletal and insect-covered appearance.

He rose to international prominence through collaborations with designer Nicola Formichetti, appearances in Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” music video, and high-profile fashion campaigns.

Rick Genest
Wiki Facts & About Data
Name:	Rick Genest
Born:	7 August 1985
Died:	1 August 2018 (age 32 years old)
Place of Birth:	LaSalle, Quebec, Canada
Nationality:	Canadian
Ethnicity:	Canadian
Height:	1.78 m
Religion:	Christianity
Parents:	Catheryne Chappelle, Roch Genest
Occupation:	Artist, actor, fashion model, musician
Net Worth:	$500,000 – $1 million

Early Life and Education

Rick Genest was born on 7 August 1985 in LaSalle, Quebec, Canada, to parents Catheryne Chappelle and Roch Genest. He grew up in nearby Châteauguay.

At the age of 14 he was diagnosed with a brain tumor; after further tests he underwent a laser procedure and recovered. Details about siblings are not publicly documented. Specific formal education beyond secondary schooling is not widely detailed in public records. He is of Canadian origin, and his religion is Christianity.

Career

Rick Genest began transforming his appearance with extensive tattoos in his late teens and early twenties, eventually covering approximately 90 percent of his body. He held a Guinness World Record for the most tattoos of human bones (139) and previously held the record for most insect tattoos.

He performed in sideshows and freak shows across Canada, starring in his own production titled Lucifer’s Blasphemous Mad Macabre Torture Carnival. Early media attention came through body-modification communities and magazines such as Bizarre.

His mainstream breakthrough occurred in 2010–2011 when artist Marc Quinn and fashion designer Nicola Formichetti discovered him. Formichetti featured Genest as the face of Thierry Mugler’s Autumn/Winter 2011 menswear collection, and he appeared alongside Lady Gaga in the “Born This Way” music video (with Gaga replicating his tattoos in makeup).

He became L’Oréal’s first male spokesperson for Dermablend, appeared in campaigns for Roc-A-Wear, and was photographed for publications including Vogue Hommes Japan and GQ Style. On screen he acted in the television film Carny (2009), had a role in 47 Ronin (2013) opposite Keanu Reeves, and appeared in short films and the BBC series Silent Witness (2017). He also pursued music projects and delivered a TEDx talk titled “Normal is an illusion.”

Awards and Nominations

• Guinness World Record holder for most tattoos of human bones (139)
• Former Guinness World Record holder for most insect tattoos on the body

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @rickgenestofficial

Personal Life

Rick Genest, who stood 1.78 m tall, lived with extensive body art that became central to his public identity. He was engaged at the time of his death.

On 1 August 2018, at the age of 32, he died in the Le Plateau-Mont-Royal district of Montreal after falling from a third-floor balcony at a friend’s apartment. Initial police reports suggested suicide, but in October 2019 coroner Melissa Gagnon ruled the death accidental, citing head trauma from the fall, a high level of alcohol in his system, traces of cannabis, and no unequivocal evidence of suicidal intent.

Friends and his manager noted his habit of sitting or leaning on railings and that he had left no note and appeared content with his career and personal plans. He left no children.

Net Worth

Rick Genest had an estimated net worth in the range of $500,000 to $1 million at the time of his death. His income came primarily from modeling and fashion campaigns, acting roles, live performances, brand endorsements (including L’Oréal), and related artistic and media work.

Filmography

• Silent Witness (2017)
• Love at Last Sight (2014)
• 47 Ronin (2013)
• In Faustian Fashion (2013)
• Aquario (2013)
• Carny (2009)

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