Who was the character make-up designer for 'The Wizard of Oz'?

Answer 1

Jack Dawn [February 10, 1892-June 20, 1961] was the character make-up designer for 'The Wizard of Oz'. In fact, he was the Design Director for MGM Studios, 1935-1950. He invented and patented a synthetic plastic that he called vinylite resin. He used the synthetic to create the realistic faces of the characters of the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Wizard of Oz in all of his metamorphoses. He also was responsible for the Munchkins' blue look and the Wicked Witch of the West's green skin.

Dawn's makeup career spanned over 35 years. It began with his return from service with the British in World War I. He began working in Hollywood as a make-up assistant and as a part-time actor. In 1925, he designed a most uncomfortable mask for one of his acting roles, as an ape. That experience challenged him to create the best and the most comfortable make-up, masks, and special effects.

His work was respected widely. But his career unfurled during the years before make-up was an Oscar nominated category. So he never received the recognition that was more than his due.

But he passed his love and talent onto his family. For example, his son Robert Dawn [October 22, 1921-July 9, 1983] was an Emmy award winning make-up professional. And his grandson Jeffrey Dawn received the Oscar for his make-up artistry with Stanley Winston [April 7, 1946-June 16, 2008] on 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day'.