A talented British hair and makeup artist Ava Gillies is dead at 26. She was known for her work on Barbie, Bridgerton, The Crown, Wonder Woman 1984, Belfast, and so many other world-class film and television shows, but the career she was working on was so much more than the work; her contributions to the visual storytelling of many of the world’s biggest productions were the work of a very special girl with a very special talent, a good heart, and an amazing passion for filmmaking. She was a very strong storyteller in that she got her work in front of people (and in the front line).
The fatal accident occurred in the early hours of July 29, close to Wrelton village in North Yorkshire. Gillies was driving a white Volkswagen Polo on a rural road when she collided with a black Audi A4, police said, and died shortly after. Emergency services rushed to the scene but Gillies had died at the scene. They are investigating what happened and asking anyone who saw the accident and had dashcam footage to help them to get a clear picture. The case is still under investigation and police would not put a firm answer on what caused the accident.
At 26 years old, Ava Gillies was already one of Britain's most promising hair and makeup professionals. She had already spent years behind the scenes on big-time productions in film and TV projects. Some of them included Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster Barbie, Netflix’s worldwide hit Bridgerton, the landmark historical drama The Crown, Wonder Woman 1984, Belfast, Snow White, and Star Wars: The Acolyte, amongst others. For a project like that to be done behind the scenes in a high-level job requires technical skill and creativity, stamina for the time to work on it. Gillies quickly gained a reputation as all of these things as she was one of the most trusted makeup artists in the industry.
Her skill and beauty were never forgotten and her dedication to work was very much appreciated too. Gillies was selected for BAFTA Connect, an initiative led by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts to identify and mentor emerging talent in the screen industries. The prestigious program is an opportunity to mentor young professionals in the field of screen and networking, providing career development and industry guidance for emerging talent. Being selected for BAFTA Connect reflected the high level of confidence that industry leaders had in her and her ability to become one of the most accomplished makeup artists of the generation. Work colleagues often praised her on a day-to-day basis for not only her talent but also the way she worked and her positive attitude and teamwork; she was always very helpful to them.
Ava Gillies' family released a very sad public statement: “We were in complete shock when we learned of her death, and very sad because she was a daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, and a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter to us, a good friend who was creative, ambitious, adventurous, and caring for others. She was so much more than a girl who had to go to university; she was a girl and a woman of creativity, she was a girl who loved and hoped to be a woman, and we love her family. We know that she was a fun girl with dreams and that her life had so many of her work and personality that inspired everybody.”
Gillies’ death has hit British and international filmmakers hard. Makeup artists are mostly invisible and don't often get media attention - but they are behind the scenes and they are at the center of movie making. They create historically accurate looks, make actors into their fictional characters, and create a visual identity for films, making a huge impact on the world of Hollywood and even making a difference in the way movies look in the world. Ava Gillies was truly a creative and caring person, and she was able to do a great job in her role and was a friendly and approachable person to everyone.
Her work on movies like Barbie and Bridgerton let millions of people around the world see her work in the movie and in the world. Their worldwide success has only added to the sadness surrounding her passing, and now many people think of her at such a young age. Film and television makers have said that many talented people are in the field always, and Gillies was no exception.
Her technical skills aside, people liked her for her generosity, her enthusiasm, and her willingness to help others entering the industry. Many makeup artists saw her career as an inspiration, as she got to work on internationally celebrated productions so early in her career. What she achieved showed the possibilities for creative professionals; she was a lesson for all to have and that perseverance, continuous learning, and collaboration are key in the entertainment industry.
The tragedy has also brought to light road safety and the unpredictability of life, reminding many how fast promising careers can take a hit. The investigation into the collision is ongoing, but for many people now, we have to celebrate Ava Gillies’ life more than we have to grieve her loss. Her family, friends, and colleagues have said that she was so great, so full of life, and she was always very positive and very hardworking, so that’s why we should remember that.
Though Ava Gillies’ career was short-lived, her influence will be felt in the films and television shows she worked on. Every scene from her work will always be an inspiration because of her talent and determination to do the work that she did. The talent she had is still being felt. Barbie, Bridgerton, The Crown, all the movies that her work influenced and inspired others who come after her to continue to make makeup and films.
The entertainment industry has lost a rising star so quickly, but Ava Gillies’ work, passion, and artistic vision will be a part of our culture and television forever. While many of her behind-the-camera skills may have been neglected by the viewers, they were integral to some of the most moving visual experiences of the past few years. She leaves behind not only an impressive body of work but also a legacy of kindness, professionalism, and creativity that will always be remembered by anyone who knows and works with her.
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