Cosmetics Guru Shu Uemura has died at the age of 79. The former Hollywood makeup artist and founder of the cosmetics makeup brand that bears his name died of acute pneumonia.
Uemura is also best known for transforming actress Shirley MacLaine into a Japanese geisha for the movie, “My Geisha,” released in 1962. Uemura’s makeover was so convincing that he is reported to have been applauded by the film’s staff, as well as MacLaine herself.
According to Variety, Uemura first made contact with Hollywood while working as a cosmetics makeup assistant on the Japanese shoot of the 1957 Universal comedy, “Joe Butterfly.”
This led to work with Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra and Edward G. Robinson. Uemura made his reputation, however, by transforming Shirley MacLaine into a Japanese geisha for the Par pic “My Geisha,” released in 1962.
Following his success, Uemura gradually expanded his brand to include elegant handmade makeup brushes, perfumes, and voluptuous fake eyelashes and eyelash curlers popular in Hollywood. Mainichi Daily News reports:
In 1983, amid Japan’s economic boom and just as Tokyo was establishing itself as a fashion trendsetter, Uemura launched a cosmetics boutique in the capital that drew crowds for its gallery-like interior.
A private funeral will be followed by a memorial ceremony to be held on January 31st.
Photo: © jen maiser
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