Remembering Bob Burns (1935-2025), Keeper of Kong

We are deeply saddened to learn that actor, archivist, consultant, producer, and prop historian Bob Burns passed away on December 16, 2025. Bob was deeply involved in pop culture, with ties to Sideshow through its infancy in the industry.

Notable for his love of horror and science fiction film set pieces, Bob Burns kept a large, private museum of props, costumes, and other memorabilia, including the only surviving King Kong armature from the 1933 release. He was a true collector at heart with a passion for filmmaking and special effects.

In addition to his collecting fame, Bob Burns was an accomplished film and television actor. He contributed to numerous audio commentaries alongside film historians documenting the most influential sci-fi and horror releases of their era. Bob Burns’ archive of props has also been the subject of many interviews and documentaries throughout the years. Finally, Bob Burns and longtime friend Paul Blaisdell co-published a monster magazine in the early 1960s entitled Fantastic Monsters of the Films. Almost everywhere you turn in this industry, you will find projects touched by his capable and caring hands.

Bob Burns’ undeniably indelible and resounding influence on pop culture will always resonate. With heavy hearts, we want to express how deeply this loss is felt. Sideshow’s thoughts are with Bob Burns’ friends and family at this time.