This is sad news. Two of the films that defined the childhood of multiple generations has had one of it’s key contributors leave this world. Carlo Rambaldi died in his home in Italy today at the age of 86, reports the Associated Press.

Rambaldi worked on the special effects for both E.T. and Alien. He was known as a master of mechatronics and even won a Special Achievement Oscar for 1976′s King Kong. He hated digital effects and was a master of the practical.

As you can tell from watching both E.T. and Alien, his work will stand the test of time. Thanks for the memories, Carlo. RIP. [AP]

alien, carlo rambaldi, e.t.