Michael Taeza, better known by his eerie alter-ego Twisted Pennywise, has redefined horror cosplay by transforming himself into the iconic clown from Stephen King’s It. Through mastery of prosthetic makeup, viral dance videos, and captivating public appearances, he’s amassed millions of fans worldwide, and his journey is as fascinating as his fearsome grin.
From Zero to Seven-Hour Makeups: The Origins of Twisted Pennywise
Michael’s transformation into Pennywise wasn’t an overnight success. Initially, he spent up to seven hours applying thick prosthetic makeup that strained his neck and nearly derailed his debut at a Pasadena event. Undeterred, he set out at a local mall instead, only to garner surprise, delight, and intervention from security for the unexpected scares he caused .
He refined his approach, cutting the makeup time to about four hours for his standout presentation at L.A. Comic‑Con. Walking straight through private entrance lines, he caught the attention of It’s director and producer, and even received a signed copy of the novel for his terrifying resemblance.
The TikTok Twist: From Convention Clown to Viral Star
Inspired by the Comic‑Con encounter, Michael dove into TikTok in March 2020. He discovered a creative void: Pennywise had yet to enter viral dance trends. Seizing the moment, he produced his unique “twisted” versions of trending dances, hence the name Twisted Pennywise.
The response was explosive. His TikTok following soared into the tens of millions, with flagship videos crossing 100 million views . Notably, one duet featuring J Balvin hit over 15 million views, and dances like those at Santa Monica Pier racked up 1.4 million views. Such massive traction earned him a collaboration with global music star Jason Derulo, who joined him in a skit.
Beyond the Videos: Community, Brand Deals & YouTube Success
Michael’s influence extends far beyond short TikToks. He’s become a cultural fixture—appearing at red‑carpet events, fan conventions, and even Dave & Buster’s SDI takeover in June 2022, where he posed as the horror icon himself.
His YouTube channel, TwistedPennywiseOfficial, now boasts about 475,000 subscribers and is ranked among entertainment channels with estimated net worth of around $2.15 million, generating approximately $672,000 per year through ads alone. That figure doesn’t even include other revenue from sponsorships or personal appearances .
Crafting the Look: Skill, Dedication & Evolution
Michael isn’t just a performer, he’s a skilled special-effects artist. What began as raw experimentation with glue and simple prosthetics evolved into four-hour cosmetic marathons involving advanced techniques. This dedication enables him to elicit genuine fear in unsuspecting audiences, whether in narrow hallways, parking lots, or elevators .
In one interview, he shared how the feedback from startled passersby became a creative barometer: “If I’m not doing it right, then nobody’s gonna be scared”. This real-world testing ground honed both his makeup skills and performance timing, helping him nail every scare.
Inspiring Horror Cosplay & Digital Creativity
Michael’s rise has inspired a wave of horror-themed cosplayers who blend cinematic flair with social media trends. Contrast Magazine alone highlighted 13 viral Twisted Pennywise TikToks that captured the Halloween spirit, underscoring his influence on the genre.
He’s also proved how horror cosplay can transcend niche fandoms, tapping mainstream culture and collaborating with influencers. His content bridges entertainment, artistry, and surprise, turning fear into shareable fun.
What Lies Ahead for Twisted Pennywise
With a track record of brand deals, sponsor collaborations, and evolving social content, Michael isn’t slowing down. He’s exploring expanded digital projects and deeper integrations with entertainment brands . His YouTube channel alone supports full-length videos that dive into makeup tutorials, behind-the-scenes vlogs, and horror-themed sketches.
Conclusion: A Makeup Mastermind Behind the Mask
At his core, Twisted Pennywise is more than a viral clown, he’s an artist who reversed common fears and turned them into a global performance. Through skillful makeup, unfailing dedication, and savvy social media strategy, Michael Taeza has reinvented what cosplay can achieve in the digital age. And as he continues pushing boundaries, one thing is certain: this horror-clown’s next act is just getting started.
