DBD 06-03-2025: Smooth Criminal

Welcome to the DBD, a Write for California community board where one can talk about anything – Cal-related or off-topic. Comment threads are sorted by topic. Anything is fine, so long as you’re generally civil.

Around 1875 to 1880, a death mask was made of a girl. The mask later became a cultural phenomenon in French Bohemian society and the girl was dubbed “L'Inconnue de la Seine” - The unknown from the Seine River. The popularity of the mask spread to other countries through the first half of the 20th century. And in 1960, the mask was used as the model for the “Rususci Annie” dummy that y’all practice on for CPR. It’s also why Michael Jackson asked “Annie, are you okay?” in his song Smooth Criminal.

It’s funny how this icon became a CPR doll and William Shatner’s mask was used for Mike Meyers character in the Halloween horror movie franchise.