The 31-year-old has appeared in Vogue and starred in Lady Gaga 's video Born This Way as well as a string of freak shows.
He said: "It depends on the circumstance but generally people don't say anything. It's generally old people.
"Not all taxis stop for me even if there is a light on, it can be hard to catch a ride sometimes.
"I don't use transportation because everyone stares at me and their eye balls fall out."
But the operation ended up saving his life.
He said: "Even the doctors told me I got lucky.
"I blurred the lines between life and death and I'm still doing that now.
"My friends called me Zombie because of my past."
In 2011, as his star started to rise, he was spotted by Lady Gaga's stylist, who got him to model in Paris.
He has since appeared in the singer's video Born This Way and been the face of Jay Z's Rocawear label.
And he loves what he has created. He said: "I like my DNA. There is just one really, really tiny tattoo that I want to get rid off, but I'm not going to say what that is."
Rick continued: "She is really fun and really professional. She gave me a big hug when I met her and she laughed at my jokes.