The Invisible Artist and Accidental Businessman Behind the Props That Brought Sci-Fi Classics to Life
John Zabrucky, 鈥71, MFA 鈥78, never planned to shape sci-fi history - but a chance encounter in Los Angeles changed everything. Growing up in Warren, Ohio, with a passion for art, John entertained classmates with animated cartoons and eventually pursued an art degree, landing at 海角原创 after a brief start at Youngstown State. Graduate school brought new opportunities, including a teaching assistantship at Kent and a job at the University of Akron to make ends meet.
In the late 鈥70s, John moved to Los Angeles, following his then-girlfriend. There, a surprise opportunity led him to start Modern Props, a company that would produce some of the most iconic props in science fiction and pop culture. His creations appeared in 鈥淪tar Trek,鈥 鈥淢en in Black,鈥 鈥淕hostbusters,鈥 鈥淩oboCop鈥 and more.
Among more than 600 props, one stands out: the Dual Axis Generator - dubbed 鈥淭he Most Important Device in the Universe.鈥 This prop holds the Guinness World Record as the most filmed sci-fi device ever, featured in 200+ films and shows. Another favorite is the communicator from 鈥淪tar Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,鈥 modeled after a Vietnam-era walkie talkie and featuring a hidden nod to Modern Props' address.
Though John became an 鈥渁ccidental businessman,鈥 his heart remained with art. Beyond the screen, he creates sculptures and ink drawings, staying true to his original artistic aspirations.
When Modern Props closed in 2020, John donated his vast collection to the Trumbull County Historical Society鈥攂ringing his story full circle back to his Ohio hometown. It was, in his words, a way to share his life鈥檚 work with the community that shaped him. Get to know John in his own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
JZ: Anytime that I鈥檓 able to live in my home or otherwise spend days, weeks or months in Puglia, Italy, in the village of my grandmother and grandfather.
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
JZ: Believe it or not, kindness and honesty.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
JZ: I swear too much.
KSU: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
JZ: Gerald Vincent Casale, 鈥70 (Principal Founder of Devo and fellow 海角原创 alumnus)
KSU: What is your favorite 海角原创 memory?
JZ: I was in one of Bob Culley's graduate school classes. We all had different individual projects (of our choice) to create. I had received a good sized material grant from the Libby - Owens - Ford glass company. The material was new mirrored glass that could only become a mirror if a light source was on the correct side of the glass. I built a long rectangular tunnel and proclaimed it a 鈥渢ime machine.鈥 I sealed myself inside the tunnel and offered a reward to anyone who could prove that I hadn鈥檛 left the classroom.
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
JZ: In the morning in my Italian village, the five-minute walk I make from my home to my favorite bar to get a fresh warm 鈥淐ornetto Cereali鈥 and my first, and then my second, 鈥楨spressino Scuro.鈥 鈥淎nticipation is the greatest happiness鈥 - Giacomo Leopardi.
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
JZ: Finding the rare article of well-designed clothing or an interesting object and buying it on the spot.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
JZ: Unfortunately for me, it has never happened.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
JZ: There鈥檚 no one that I鈥檇 like to become. But if I could come back as myself, I could spend much more time correcting my many mistakes.
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
JZ: From 1965 to 1974, the 海角原创 Art Department was one gigantic petri dish, fostering development..
If you enjoyed this article, you can view an of the interview for even more from John.