FAQs
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
One of my proudest moments as a makeup artist was definitely when I was the "lucky girl" hired as the lead makeup artist on the advertising shoot for the Broadway show Lucky Guy, starring Tom Hanks. Being in this business for as long as I have, I've pretty much mastered the protocol of not getting sucked into celebrity hype, but the truth was, there was little chance I was going to be able to maintain my cool with Tom Hanks in my chair. I needed a plan. Fortunately, the shoot was weeks away, so I had time to rehearse what to say. I practiced in my head every night for a week. I'd tell him how I always sing the "Hot Choc-o-late" song from Polar Express, in his voice, when I serve it to my kids. I'd announce that he stars in each of my top five favorite movies ever, and go on to list them in order. I definitely thought more about the speech I was going to give than I did about the actual artistry of the job. Hey, I didn't say this was my most professional moment ever. The shoot day finally arrived, but as I drove through the tunnel, I began to worry -- what if Mr. Hanks was aloof and unapproachable? I made the decision to play it safe and just act cool. I met my assistant Lindsey at the studio, and together we started working on the 12 supporting members of the cast. As the last one went off to the set with Lindsey, I heard a deep bellowing laugh; out of 100 people you would pick it out as belonging to Tom Hanks. I froze. He walked into the makeup room, right up to me, stuck out his hand and said with a smile, "Hiya, I'm Tom, and you are?"... [I mumbled something about having a name] ..."Very nice to meet you, Danielle". Then my very favorite movie star plopped down into my chair and began chatting as if we were old friends. It turned out I was able to get my little speech out after all. I even went so far as admitting to him I'd rehearsed it! We laughed, shared stories, and talked about our families. In the end, the cast was happy, the ad agency was pleased, the play was a huge success, and I hung out with T-Hanks, all without having a heart attack!