On July 30, 2014 our industry lost a giant with the passing of Dick Smith at the age of 92. He was an artist like no other and one of the most iconic names in the history of makeup artistry.

He encouraged young people to dream, to respect the craft and to share knowledge with others. It was his opinion that it was okay to fail, as long as you didn’t obsess and destroy yourself. In Dick Smith’s world, no one was ignored. Artists from all over the world reached out to him, and he always responded with kindness and generousity.

His artistic skills and abilities were unique, but he never patented nor hid any of his formulas from anyone. Whether with beginning makeup artists or the most experienced, he shared his wealth of knowledge with everyone. He helped figure out the solutions to makeup’s puzzles, to create characters that stretched the imagination, yet remained somehow realistic.

He was the first important makeup artist in New York television at NBC, won the Academy Award for Outstanding Makeup in 1985 for his work, with Paul LeBlanc, on Amadeus, and in 2012 won an Academy Honorary Award for his career’s work.

For more than 50 years, he mentored and launched the careers of many of today’s top, award winning and in-demand makeup artists; the best in the business. Not only did they learn revolutionary skills from him, he instilled in them an unparalleled work ethic. You never hear stories of mediocrity or unethical practices from those he mentored.

He was a tough taskmaster, but his generosity earned him the respect of artists from all over the world. Young artists reached out to him, and he made sure they all had personal attention and encouragement, no matter if they were from Japan or

Oklahoma. At his memorial, men and women wept openly and shared wonderful memories of their experiences with their idol.

If ever there were a legacy to be remembered and used as inspiration for generations to come in the beauty industry, it would be the creative genius of makeup artist Dick Smith. Younger makeup artists may struggle to recognize his name or even his accomplishments. But Smith was the consummate artist who forever changed the world of special effects makeup and the way it would continue to be done. Old age makeup techniques, multi-part prosthetics, PAX, and many other skills were no longer closely guarded secrets: all you had to do was ask him how.

His humility allowed him to be approachable, his generosity of spirit made you glad you reached out to him. Makeup artists collected and treasured their letters from him. He trusted in them and encouraged artists to reach higher levels than they had ever imagined. Consumers everywhere would recognize many of Smith’s accomplishments, whether they realize it or not. Among the more than 70 feature film and television credits to his name, The Exorcist, terrified and fascinated everyone who wondered, “How did he do that?” Actors trusted him and directors were fascinated with his artistry, imagination and professionalism.

Dick Smith affected the lives of makeup artists like no other. No one was unimportant to him; everyone had access and he loved talking about his craft. In his older years, Smith loved attending conventions where he was the ultimate rock star with a huge fan club.

Our industry’s loss of one of our industry’s most influential pioneers has brought tears of sadness to many — but his work and his legacy will continue to inspire and develop artists for generations.

Sue Cabral-Ebert
President, Local 706