The award is given to artists whose body of work in the film industry consistently enhances make-up and hair styling artistry, creating memorable characters throughout their career. Past recipients include Colleen Callaghan (2004), Paul Le Blanc (2003) Vivienne Walker (2002) and Sydney Guilaroff (2001).
“Ryan is an Academy Award-winning hair stylist who has represented the excellence of our craft throughout her career and we are pleased to honor her,” said guild president Susan Cabral-Ebert. “She was the first staff hair stylist at NBC Studios and designed phenomenal creations on variety shows for the network. Whether being the department head hair stylist on How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or just part of the hair styling crew on a reality show, Gail’s tremendous talent has been inspirational to both seasoned veterans and those new to the business.”
Among Ryan’s awards are an Oscar, four Primetime Emmy nominations, a Saturn Award, two Daytime Emmy nominations and a Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Award. Ryan was the first hair stylist hired on staff at NBC Studios in 1970, her career spanning five decades to date. At NBC, she was responsible for the glamorous stylings of the Dean Martin Show, as well as the sketch comedy of Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond.
Ryan still maintains a great relationship with Osmond and has been stylist for celebrities such as Naomi Watts, Dustin Hoffman, Sean Penn, Leslie Nielsen, Ray Liotta and Nick Nolte. Currently, she tends to actor Benicio Del Toro’s locks and partnered with Rick Baker for The Wolfman in 2010.
