On this day March 8 1985 the drama film Mask premiered in theaters. Starring Cher and Eric Stoltz the movie told the true story of Rocky Dennis a teenager with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia a rare bone disorder that caused severe facial deformities. The film focused on Rocky’s relationship with his strong-willed mother played by Cher and his determination to live a normal life despite his condition.
Mask was both a critical and commercial success with Cher earning widespread praise for her performance and winning Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival. The film’s emotional depth and inspiring message made it a standout drama of the 80s.
80s insight: In the movie Rocky Dennis helps a blind girl see the world through touch and descriptions but in real life Rocky himself was blind.