John Trudeau

John Trudeau, affectionately known as “Dr. Flash,” made his mark in the pinball world with imaginative, unconventional layouts at Gottlieb before moving on to Bally/Williams in the 1990s. His most famous titles, including Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Machine: Bride of Pin-Bot, and Congo, are notable for smooth flow, inventive toys, and a slightly wider flipper gap that boosted the challenge. Even after a hiatus from pinball when Williams closed, Trudeau revived his career at Stern in the 2010s with games like Mustang and Ghostbusters, proving his classic approach could thrive in the modern era.

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Despite his numerous contributions, Trudeau’s career ended in controversy. In 2017, he was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography, a development that tarnished his public reputation and resulted in the immediate end of his employment with Stern Pinball. While these charges cast a shadow over his legacy, the innovative designs he produced continue to influence pinball enthusiasts and designers alike.