Emmy-winning hair and makeup designer Marc Pilcher, best known for his work on Bridgerton, has died of COVID-19. He was 53 years old.
Pilcher’s passing comes just three weeks after he won a Creative Emmy for his work on Bridgerton. He was double-vaccinated and had no underlying health conditions, as Variety report.
Pilcher tested negative on multiple COVID-19 tests whilst making the trip across to Los Angeles for the ceremony. After his return to England, he fell ill. Over the weekend his condition deteriorated, he passed away on Sunday, October 3rd.
“Glamorous and extravagant, he brought his flair and style to every design,” a statement from his family and friends read. “Never limited in his thought process for his creations, he pushed boundaries and created work never realised before.”
Pilcher led the Bridgerton hair and makeup team, securing the show its only Emmy Award for Outstanding Period and/or Character Styling. The show also won Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling in a TV Series, Limited or Miniseries or TV New Media Series at the Hollywood Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards in April.
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“We are saddened by the loss of Marc Pilcher,” a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement. “A phenomenal talent, his work on Bridgerton season one was unrivaled, and he was a much-loved member of the crew. Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this time.”
In addition to his work on Bridgerton, Pilcher was regarded for his contributions to a variety of West End shows, television programs, and films, including the likes of Downton Abbey, Judy, and Beauty and the Beast. In 2018, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on Mary Queen of Scots.
“In the early 2000s, Marc entered the film and television industry and worked on TV shows and features as a hairdresser, stylist and makeup artist,” the statement continued.
“During this time, he worked with artists including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Shirley MacLaine, Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Michael Gambon, Madonna, Helena Bonham Carter, Michelle Williams, Kristen Scott Thomas and Sir Ian McKellen amongst many others.”
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