As a gamer with a deep appreciation for the intersection of art and technology, I can’t help but reflect on the life and career of Leonard Engelman. His work has been a silent yet significant contributor to some of my favorite films growing up, from the iconic Rocky IV to the enchanting How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Noted make-up artist Leonard Engelman, who contributed his skills to films such as Rocky IV, The Princess Diaries, Batman & Robin, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and spent over three decades perfecting Cher’s look, has passed away at the age of 83.
Esther Engelman, who was married to him for 42 years, confirmed on Thursday that her husband, Engelman, passed away at Northridge Hospital Medical Center. The exact reason behind his demise remains undisclosed.
A Hollywood makeup artist’s son, Engelman spent many years advocating for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to establish a dedicated branch for makeup artists, as they had previously been considered “freelance” members. In 2006, his efforts bore fruit, and he was chosen as the first governor of this new branch. Later on, he also worked towards including hairstylists within the academy.
He also served as an Academy vice president and board member for many years.
Engelman earned Emmy nominations for his work on an episode of Night Gallery in 1972 and the miniseries Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis in 2001, featuring Joanne Whalley. He received a lifetime achievement award from the Hollywood Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists Guild in 2017.
Engelman served as Cher’s personal makeup artist, collaborating with the actress and fashion trendsetter on her photoshoots and various film projects such as “Moonstruck” (1987), “Suspect” (1987), “The Witches of Eastwick” (1987), “Mermaids” (1990), “Faithful” (1996), “Tea With Mussolini” (1999) and “Burlesque” (2010).
Just moments after being declared the Best Actress Oscar winner for “Moonstruck” in 1988, she expressed her gratitude at the Shrine Auditorium podium towards her makeup artist, acknowledging his significant role in her victory.
Throughout his 50-year career, Engelman was also responsible for Sylvester Stallone’s makeup in the films Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), Rocky IV (1985) and Cobra (1986).
In their initial project together, he opted to use silicon instead of rubber (known for not absorbing sweat) to create the facial “props” that mimicked Stallone’s swellings, bruises, cuts, and so on. This was shared in a 2019 interview.
As a gamer, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some incredible talents in the world of cinema. Debra Winger, Meg Ryan, and I shared the screen in films like “Betrayed” (1988), “Everybody Wins” (1990), “Wilder Napalm” (1993), and “Joe Versus the Volcano” (1990). Our journey continued with “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993), “Flesh and Bone” (1993), and “When a Man Loves a Woman” (1994). It was an unforgettable experience working with such talented actresses!
Born on May 9, 1941, in Burbank, Leonard Alex Engelman was the son of a makeup artist named Leonard Alex Engelman as well. This man worked on numerous Western films during the 1940s and passed away when his son was only eleven years old.
After graduating from Burbank High School, Engelman secured a position at Universal Studios, eventually earning his initial credit for working on the film “Topaz,” which was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and released in 1969.
His filmography spans several notable titles such as “The Black Stallion” from 1979, “Cat People” in 1982, “Ghostbusters,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” both released in 1984, “Twins” from 1988, “The Bonfire of the Vanities” and “Heat,” which were both produced in 1990, and more recently, “Oz the Great and Powerful” in 2013. Additionally, he has starred in TV series like “Cagney & Lacey” and “The Shield.”
For over five decades, Engelman nurtured numerous artistic talents at the Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles, earning himself deep admiration among the ranks of Local 706, a renowned guild dedicated to makeup and hairstyling.
Apart from his spouse, the surviving family members consist of their kids – Steven, Kimberly, Anna, and Jennifer (who’s also a makeup artist) – as well as six grandchildren.
He was advised at the beginning of his career as a makeup artist that to truly excel in this field, it was essential to master every aspect – from beauty techniques to portraying various characters, aging effects, hairstyles, simulating injuries, working with prosthetics. To the best of my ability, I made sure to learn all these skills thoroughly.
Scott Feinberg contributed to this report.
Read More
- BODEN PREDICTION. BODEN cryptocurrency
- GHST PREDICTION. GHST cryptocurrency
- BETA PREDICTION. BETA cryptocurrency
- STRD PREDICTION. STRD cryptocurrency
- Mango Markets Exploiter Found Guilty Of Fraud And Manipulation
- GBP EUR PREDICTION
- MATIC PREDICTION. MATIC cryptocurrency
- LOOKS PREDICTION. LOOKS cryptocurrency
- BRN/USD
- TNSR PREDICTION. TNSR cryptocurrency
2024-08-03 19:55