Remembering Ava Gillies: A Talented Makeup Artist Gone Too Soon

Important Points at a Glance

• Who: Ava Gillies, a 26-year-old film & TV makeup artist
• What happened: Fatal car accident on a country road in Wrelton, England
• When: July 29, around 1:30 a.m.
• Notable work: Barbie, Wonder Woman 1984, Belfast, Bridgerton, The Crown, Band of Spies
• Special honor: BAFTA Connect member (2023) – a program for rising creatives
• Family’s words: “Beautiful daughter, sister and granddaughter… feisty confidence, many talents”

Who Was Ava Gillies?

Ava Gillies was a makeup artist – someone who styles hair and applies makeup for actors on movie and TV sets. Even though she was only 26, she had already worked in the industry for over five years and contributed to some very famous productions.

Think of her like the behind-the-scenes magic maker who helps actors look exactly like their characters – whether that’s a superhero, a royal, or a doll come to life.

What Happened?

On the night of July 29, Ava was driving on a country road in Wrelton, England around 1:30 a.m. Her vehicle collided with another car. Tragically, she was pronounced dead at the scene by authorities.

The North Yorkshire Police shared this news in an official release, along with a heartfelt tribute from her family.

Her Career Highlights

Ava’s resume reads like a “greatest hits” list of recent film and TV. According to her IMDb profile and personal website, she worked on:

Major Movies

• Barbie (2023)
• Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
• Belfast (2021)

Popular TV Shows

• Bridgerton (Netflix)
• The Crown (Netflix)
• Band of Spies

Other Work

• Commercials (TV ads)
• Short films

That’s a lot of big projects for someone so young! It shows how talented and trusted she was in the industry.

Family Tribute: “Our Beautiful Daughter, Sister and Granddaughter”

In the police release, Ava’s family shared a loving tribute that paints a picture of who she was beyond her job:

“Ava, we will always, always miss you, your wit, your charm, your beauty, your feisty confidence, your many talents and your excellence in your field: hair & makeup for film and TV. In almost 27 years with us, you packed in so much – study, travel, and work. It was a privilege to have raised you and loved you.”

They also mentioned how touched they were by the outpouring of love from friends, their community, and people in the film industry who respected her talent.

Industry Recognition: BAFTA Connect

In 2023, Ava was selected for BAFTA Connect – a three-year program run by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). It’s designed to support and develop the careers of promising creatives in the entertainment industry.

Being chosen is a big deal – it means experts saw her as a rising star with a bright future.

Funeral Arrangements

The family shared that funeral plans will be announced “in due course.” They also expressed deep gratitude for the help, love, and support they’ve received from their “village” – family, friends, and community.

Summary

Ava Gillies was a gifted 26-year-old makeup artist whose work touched major films like Barbie and hit shows like Bridgerton and The Crown. Her life was cut short in a car accident in Wrelton, England on July 29. She was celebrated by her family as a witty, charming, feisty, and talented young woman, and by her industry as a BAFTA Connect rising star. While her career was just blossoming, her impact – on screen and in the hearts of those who knew her – will last.

FAQ

How old was Ava Gillies when she died?

She was 26 years old.

What famous movies and shows did she work on?

Her credits include Barbie, Wonder Woman 1984, Belfast, Bridgerton, The Crown, and Band of Spies, plus commercials and short films.

What is BAFTA Connect?

It’s a three-year career development program by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) for emerging creatives in film, TV, and games. Being selected is a significant honor.

When and where did the accident happen?

July 29, around 1:30 a.m., on a country road in Wrelton, England.

Where can I read the full family tribute?

It was included in the North Yorkshire Police news release (linked in the original People.com article).

Original article source: People.com
Photos credited to Ava Gillies/Instagram