As one of the most respected actors of our time, Meryl Streep is most known for her chameleon-like quality to inhabit any role.
It turns out she may get some help from a trusted friend!
Streep has worked with the same makeup artist and hair stylist, J. Roy Helland, on every film since nabbing an Oscar for Sophie’s Choice in the 80s.
From the brown curls and crinkled eyes of Julia Child in the upcoming Julie and Julia to the refined fashionista Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, Helland is responsible for these almost magical transformations.
“He’s a collaborator in everything she does, and the hair and the makeup is just part of it. I think he’s an extra pair of eyes for her in every single way,” said Julie & Julia director Nora Ephron.
“There are very few makeup artists who have a relationship with an actor that will allow them to create such amazing characters,” said Oscar winning makeup artist, Bill Corso. “Their relationship is a singular, rare entity. It’s an amazing marriage.”
One common thread in all her roles is that Meryl’s skin is always flawless. Also, her eyebrows are altered for every role which can change the shape and look of one’s face.
Helland even designs wigs!!!
Although the industry’s union roles prohibit the same individual to do both hair and makeup, Streep and Holland negotiated an exemption decades ago.
Meryl may have the best in the business helping her on the outside, but nothing compares to the dedication and creativity given to each role.
In Julie & Julia, Streep resembles Child in face and hair, but also attempts to pull up her 5’6″ frame to appear as long as Child’s 6’2 stature.
“It’s this thing called acting. Many actors could do this, but Meryl has the chops to do it, and the guts to really go for it,” said Ephron. “It’s a combination of her hair, her makeup, her clothes, her height, it’s everything.”
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