Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546047
38 • THE ARTISAN FALL 2025 Every intentional shift honored Deborah's emotional beats rather than distracting from them. With so many looks to maintain, detailed face charts and reference photos rigorously maintained continuity across numerous looks, ensuring each return to camera was seamless and true to character. Jen Bell, Jean Smart's Hair Stylist/Wig Stylist In Season 1, Deborah Vance is an aging comedian with a stale Las Vegas Show. They have both seen better days… We had Deb's 'show looks,' a dated up-do with a bad wig she wore on stage and to business events around town. Her 'normal look' was a short style also harkening back to the '80s. We used Jean's hair with some pieces added. As Season 2 approached, I was able to have four wigs made by Justin Stafford. Two longer for the new updo styles and two short for Deb's real life. I started with a light blonde wig, added a medium blonde base with low lights and then bleach highlights on top of that. The process was the same for all the wigs, and it took about five passes on each wig to get them to the perfect blonde. As the seasons continued, Deb's style advanced as well, until we see her in Season 5 in Paris at her fashionable best! It has been an honor and a privilege to work with our incredible crew. The collaboration with Kathleen Felix-Hager, the costume designer, and Keith Sayer, Jean's longtime make-up artist, and my good friend was so much fun! Every episode had some kind of challenge whether constructing a towering up-do for the playing card dress or figuring out how to keep the wig from falling apart in the ocean as Deb swings out to save Hannah in Season 4. There was never a dull moment! I believe Hacks Season 5 was a special show made up of a great cast, writers, showrunners, and crew. We worked hard but we laughed even harder. More than once during the season, Erin and I would look at each other and say, "I can't believe we are at work right now." That pretty much sums up the experience. A show can't get any better than that. I'm incredibly proud of what our make-up department accomplished, but I'm even more grateful for the people I got to share it with. • L-R: Jen Bell and and Keith Sayer Keith Sayer