Rest In Peace Bob Burns

[bucketfoot-al]

Bob Burns, film historian, collector and "Keeper of Kong" (aka the original Kong armature), who also starred in film and in the original "Ghost Busters" TV series (with Larry Storch and Forrest Tucker) as Tracy the Gorilla (wearing a Gorilla suit), passed away on December 16, 2025, aged 90. Rest in Peace kind and gentle sir.

I saw the news today on Facebook, and Duck Duck AI confirmed it for me in the following blurb:

"Bob Burns, the renowned film historian and prop collector, passed away on December 16, 2025, at the age of 90. He was celebrated for his vast collection of memorabilia from science fiction and horror films, notably housed in what he referred to as "Bob's Basement." This collection included iconic items like the original armature from the 1933 King Kong and various props from classic alien movies.

Burns was not only a collector but also an actor and producer, contributing to several film projects and documentaries that highlighted his passion for the history of cinema. His work was instrumental in preserving the legacy of many classic films, particularly in the horror genre.

His contributions to cinema and the preservation of its history will be missed by fans and historians alike."

He apparently also was something of a regular in past decades at Horror Conventions and past Wonderfests. His website is still up - if you've never perused it - its a true gem:

https://bobburns.mycottage.com/

[tay666]

I was saddened to read the news of this on FB night before last.
Yesterday I spent a good part of my online time just reading all the posts and looking at the pics everyone posted of them with Bob at WF.
Bob was a fixture at the show for a long time. He was like a big kid and always happy to tell a story and share his knowledge.
He also got dressed up for the Saturday night movie quite often.
I was lucky enough to be there in 2005 when they showed one of the episodes of Ghostbusters and Bob broke out the Tracy costume.



It was a bummer when he had to quit coming to the show. Can't remember when exactly that was, but his health didn't allow him to make the trip anymore.
I am really bummed by the news, but he had an awesome life and seemed to live it to the fullest.

[bucketfoot-al]

What a great picture, and what a great story Trevor!

This morning I also found a whole bunch of pictures on Facebook showing up in my feed that folks posted with Bob. Really enjoyed reading the stories, and also several videos including a 2001 tour that Bob gave of the props inside his prop museum AKA home.

[Squidy53]

Great photo Trev. You might enjoy this: https://vimeo.com/356510159.

[tay666]

Great photo Trev. You might enjoy this: https://vimeo.com/356510159.

I have the DVD

[Squidy53]

I have the DVD

Of course you do.

For those that don't it's available to stream on Amazon and is being re-released on bluray: https://www.amazon.com/Beast-Wishes-Tri ... 6DX7&psc=1. Recommended.

[bucketfoot-al]

I have the DVD

Of course you do.

For those that don't it's available to stream on Amazon and is being re-released on bluray: https://www.amazon.com/Beast-Wishes-Tri ... 6DX7&psc=1. Recommended.

Thanks for the Vimeo link Steve - Loved it!!

[tay666]

I have the DVD

Of course you do.

I was actually one of the backers
Got my DVD directly from Frank Dietz at WF in 2012. I'd have to take a look, but pretty sure it is autographed as well.

[Glusniffer]

From Cult this morning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HYOZr_zPrg

[bucketfoot-al]

From Cult this morning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HYOZr_zPrg

[marctassone]

Great guy had a brief chat with Bob at WF. His passion was infectious.Rest in Peace

[Scooke123]

Very sad news!!! I enjoyed seeing him at Wonderfest for years. He was a joy to talk to and hear his many stories. RIP

[Glusniffer]

Another beautiful tribute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taB5yHpvaro

[monsterjones]

Bob Burns Awards I was honored to receive at Imagination Fest in Las Vegas:

[bucketfoot-al]

Bob Burns Awards I was honored to receive at Imagination Fest in Las Vegas:

Awesome Bill!!!