[Inside Trek] Michael Westmore

It takes a universe in itself to create Star Trek and part of it’s creative family comes from a legacy that far outshines most in film. For over a hundred years the Westmore family have been a staple of productions in Hollywood starting with George Westmore’s studio. The family would not only become masters of hair and make up design, but become engrained within Hollywood as the finest in their craft.

In the 1980’s one of George’s grandsons was chosen to lead the challenging task of saupervising the looks of a new Star Trek revival. One of the most consistent creative forced in the Next Generation era, Michael Westmore’s stamp was everywhere. Brought on board for pre-production of the Next Generation, Westmore had two primary tasks; design make up for Data that would look not quite human, and to refine make up for Worf that would influence nearly every Klingon on screen for decades.

The Klingon style, a major advance on the apoplications used from The Motion Picture, would become his most inonic work in the Star Trek Franchise. Taking influence from fossils, the Klingon masks would cover more of the actors face than the initial concept with each design looking slightly different, representing the familial traits being passed down and merged through the generations of each house.

Despite hesitation at moving to a longer production after travelling around for film, Westmore would end up being a core member of the Next Generation of Star Trek, serving all seven seasons of The Next Generation as well as continuing to supervise the make up – both human and alien – for the continuing missions on Deep Space Nine, Voyager and the TNG Movies.

Now retired from working behind the scenes on screen, Westmore’s final works on TV was as a guest backstage during the run of Enterprise. His final make up works on Daasavatheram was also onbe of the most challenging, helping to craft ten disinctly different looks for lead star Kamal Hassan who played all ten roles. Now in light retirement, he’s supported daughter and host of Face-Off McKenzie Westmore s a guest and mentor to younger artists.

Having an eclectic and award winning career. Westmore set a gold standard for make up in Star Trek and helped design a large part of the Universe. From Trill’s spots to the harsher looks of the Jem’Hadar and everything in-between, Westmore influence still inspires make up designs used in Strange New Worlds, Discovery and beyond.

Westmore’s work and career is documented in full with his book Make Up Man, co authored by Jake Page. Make Up Man is on sale at most retailers including Amazon.

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