Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541330
12 WINTER 2026 "Are you a hard worker, fast learner?" "Yes," I said. "Come here." I followed him down a hall and he opened the door to Eddie Marks' office and told him to hire me once he got off the phone. Eddie rolled his eyes and hung up. He looked at my resume and asked, "Can you drive a big truck, forklift, and pull a trailer?" I said, "Yes." Eddie said, "OK then, I'll hire you to move our star collection because I don't want the moving company to handle that valuable stuff." I got my days and joined the union without really knowing what it meant. Bryan would soon learn how meaningful it would all be after he was sworn in during the winter of 1991. But when asked about how he learned his trade, his answer is humble. "I guess informally. I always say I 'Forrest Gumped' my way into the Costume Department. Helping Western, WB, and Disney move and organize their stock was a hands- on learning process. Spending two years in stock at Western Costume was my education. Pulling and re-stocking shows, learning the different periods while doing so." All of this was an eye-opening experience, helping him to fall in love with our craft. Bryan tells us that his favorite skills he's picked up along the way of his informal education have included the art of aging and distressing. But when asked his most valuable skill, he believes it is his attention to detail and continuity. The other skills he's been able to hone over the years are his golf prowess, surfing, and walking his dogs with his beautiful wife Janet of 26 years. According to Bryan, "Family is very important to me… Mother Earth and human rights [are] my foundation. My whole spirit is built upon that." Conclusively, he adds, "Costumes have provided a nice life; that is everything to me."