Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1529095
68 • THE ARTISAN WINTER 2025 In Memoriam EXTENDED FAMILY NEWS Frank Griffin (1929-2024) JOURNEYMAN MAKE-UP ARTIST Make-up artist and actor Frank Griffin was from a third-generation showbiz family with his sisters (actors) Debra Paget, Teala Loring and Lisa Gaye. Frank acted in approximately 20 features and early TV shows before switching careers in the early 1960s, studying make-up artistry under Layne "Shotgun" Britton and Harry Maret. While learning his craft, Frank worked on My Fair Lady. His outstanding skills provided him a very eclectic career, running from the most glamorous of beauty make-ups to technically challenging special make-up effects still remembered in film history. He was part of the team that executed one of the most difficult make-ups still remembered to this day—the chest appliance that allowed actor Richard Harris to be suspended in the air with hooks through his pectoral muscles in the feature film A Man Called Horse. Frank's credits during that time include Electra Glide in Blue, Westworld, Cinderella Liberty, Audrey Rose, The Demon Seed, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Overboard, Lou Grant, Urban Cowboy, Thief, Pennies From Heaven, Fast Times in Ridgemont High, Revenge of the Nerds, Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Spies Like Us, Peggy Sue Got Married, and Three Amigos! Frank met actor Steve Martin on Pennies From Heaven and it began a working relationship that spanned for more than 20 years until Frank's retirement in 2006: Roxanne, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Parenthood, My Blue Heaven, L.A. Story, Father of the Bride (1 & 2), Grand Canyon, House Sitter, Sgt. Bilko, The Spanish Prisoner, Bowfinger, Novocaine, Bringing Down the House, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Shopgirl. Anyone who had the privilege of working with them knows fully well that Frank had one of the most insanely funny senses of humor on the planet. Just before the word "rolling" was yelled, Frank could quietly throw a humor bomb and could make you explode with laughter. Griffin's personal level of excellence led him to volunteer as a judge for the examination committee that determined journeyman status for make-up artists. He eagerly shared education and helped to fine-tune skills with other artists. Frank Griffin is survived by his life partner of more than 43 years, hair stylist Linda Trainoff. He was previously married to Barbara Jean Dingman and three other wives, and had six children: Local 706 hair stylist Roxane Griffin, Frank, Gayle, Beau (grip, IATSE Local 80), Garrett and Samantha (deceased) plus six grandchildren (Lindsay, Kelsey, Brandon, Cassandra, Griffin and Jesse). The family will notify Local 706 in the future of any memorial plans. and I discussed the possibilities and we decided I should run for president. We needed to move into the 21st century. With his guidance and complete support, I won. The sad thing was, he did not. But that did not mean he was out of my life. With him, we revolutionized so many great educational opportunities (always free to the membership and open to all members), craft meetings and events—always rising to new levels. Leonard respected certain traditions and honored them. Even when I took on political advocacy for our members with regards to the California film & TV tax incentives, Leonard was always at my side, whether it was early in the morning or late at night at LA City Hall in DTLA. When we reimagined the Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards, Leonard was again at my side and was the committee chair for the rules and regulations for more than 10 years. He was always working it, always making it better. His work at the Motion Picture Academy was legendary. Both a Governor and Vice President, he fought the battle and won to bring the hair stylists' title into the category. Always elevating. Leonard loved filmmaking and his brain was always engaged in new ideas. He loved his union. He always represented. Always the gentleman, he gave support for others and wanted us to be our very best at all times. As I said, Leonard Engelman truly was one of the most important people in my life. He gave me the wings to fly. He inspired so many of us to be better, to reach new goals. We spent so many wonderful years together and he truly made Local 706 and the entire industry a better place. Best of all, he was my friend, my mentor, my hero. I'm starting to cry again. My heart is with the entire Engelman family tonight. Thank you for sharing Leonard with me.