Industry Insider INDUSTRY INSIDER: McKenzie Westmore INDUSTRY INSIDER: McKenzie Westmore
Last Updated (Monday, 30 January 2012 21:45)
McKenzie Westmore is the host of Face Off, the special effects competition series on the Syfy channel. Westmore brings a rich history for the art of special effects make-up to the show. Beginning with her great-grandfather George, the Westmore family set the bar for film and television make-up, essentially pioneering the field. Her father, Michael Westmore, is the legendary make-up artist behind the TV series Star Trek. The Westmore family was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for their contributions to over 2,000 films and television shows.
McKenzie started acting at the age of three when she was cast in Raging Bull as Robert De Niro's daughter.
She later went on to guest star in Weird Science, Star Trek Voyager and on the NBC soap opera Passions.
Vanessa had a chance to speak to Westmore about the show and how she balances career and family.
VG: As an actress on the television soap opera Passions for over 10 years you had to trust your hair, makeup, and wardrobe stylists to enhance your natural beauty on a regular basis. Tell me about your relationship with these individuals and how they played a role in your career.
MW: Yes, there definitely is a trust and bond between stylists and an actress. I’ve been fortunate enough throughout my career to work with
amazing makeup artists, hair stylists and wardrobe designers. They have all individually through the years taught me more and more about what looks best on me and what enhances my features. It’s so important to have that trust.
VG: How did you acquire the position as host of Face Off?
MW: Face Off was a fluke in a way because I wasn’t looking to host a reality show. I’m an actress and that’s what I do by trade but when the idea was brought to me, there was no way I could turn it down. With my family’s history, my own knowledge of the industry and working alongside my dad, it was a perfect fit! I met with Mission Control several times to go over the show and I am so grateful for the belief they had in me from the get go!
VG: How has your life changed since Face Off began?
MW: Not much! I’d say the main differences are my schedule is so much easier than the soap days since we only shoot roughly 6-7 weeks per season and I get recognized a lot more now. It’s so cute when people stop me and say “Hey, you’re that makeup girl! I love your show!”
VG: If you could give the Face Off contestants one word of advice, what would it be?
MW: I would say to continue to imagine and don’t give up on their passion and dream of SFX even if they are one of the first to leave the contest. They are all so talented in their own right.
VG: What is your favorite memory of Face Off Season One?
MW: My favorite memory of Season One was getting to walk an elephant onto stage! How many times in your life do you get to do that? ;)
VG: What is your typical work week schedule like?
MW: Well, it’s about 6 days a week for 6-7 weeks.
VG: You are a very busy woman! You are raising a family, acting, hosting, writing, producing, and developing your own line of wellness products. I commend you for all of your accomplishments, but how do you find time to do everything?
MW: Well thank you but you know that saying “it takes a village?” Well that’s my life exactly! I do a lot and have a lot going on but am very blessed to have the help of my parents and siblings. It’s a lot of time management, planning, and I have notes that go on for days to keep my schedule and everything running smoothly. Being organized is the biggest tool!
>>Click Here for more information on Face Off.
Interview by Vanessa Giovanniello
advertisements
