Ava Gillies, Makeup Artist Behind Barbie and Bridgerton, Dies at 26
- pradeep
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
British hair and makeup artist Ava Gillies, whose credits included major productions such as Barbie, Bridgerton, The Crown, Wonder Woman 1984 and Belfast, has died at the age of 26 following a road collision in North Yorkshire.
What Happened?
North Yorkshire Police said Gillies was driving a white Volkswagen Polo when it collided with a black Audi A4 on the A170 near Wrelton at approximately 1:30 am on July 29.
Emergency services attended the scene, but Gillies was pronounced dead.
A Promising Film and Television Career
Gillies had worked in the hair and makeup departments of several internationally recognised films and television series.
Her reported credits included:
Barbie
Bridgerton
The Crown
Wonder Woman 1984
Belfast
Band of Spies
Her career covered feature films, television dramas, commercials and short films.
Selected for BAFTA Connect
Gillies was selected for BAFTA Connect, a professional-development programme supporting emerging talent working across the film and television industries.
Her family said the opportunity had helped her progress from a talented artist towards becoming a designer in her field.
Family Pays Emotional Tribute
In a tribute released through North Yorkshire Police, Gillies’ family remembered her as their “beautiful daughter, sister and granddaughter.”
They praised her wit, confidence, creativity and professional achievements, adding that she had accomplished an extraordinary amount through education, travel and work before turning 27.
The family also expressed gratitude for the messages of support received from Gillies’ friends, local community and colleagues in the film industry.
Film Industry Mourns Her Death
Tributes have been shared by people who knew and worked with Gillies, recognising both her creative talent and her growing contribution to the British film and television makeup industry.