The talented makeup team behind the scenes of “SNL” is known for their skill in creating bald caps, facial hair, and intricate prosthetics. Surprisingly, they often don’t begin making these pieces until Thursday or Friday each week, and they have only a few minutes to apply or remove them once the live episode starts on Saturday.
The process is described as “choreographed mayhem” by Zakarian, with the team working like a pit crew, swiftly transforming cast members. In a recent episode, cast member Sarah Sherman seamlessly transitioned from a character with a prosthetic nose to a 92-year-old woman in just minutes.
Key to their success is creating “lifecasts” of every host and cast member, which enable quick prosthetic application during the show. These lifecasts are now done using high-tech scanners and 3D printers, a far cry from the early days of the show.
The “mold room” at NBC and “SNL” is filled with iconic creations from the show’s history, including molds of famous hosts like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and prosthetics from classic sketches like the “Coneheads” and “Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer.”
The makeup team’s work is praised by cast members like Sherman, who credits the prosthetics with helping her fully embody her characters. They follow a crucial directive from showrunner Lorne Michaels to ensure that the cast members remain recognizable underneath the makeup.
Overall, the “SNL” makeup department’s dedication to detail and efficiency continues to play a vital role in bringing the show’s characters to life each week.
The talented cast members of “SNL” greatly benefit from the amazing work of the makeup department, led by Zakarian and his skilled team. They are the creative minds behind the stunning costumes and intricate prosthetics showcased in the spectacular Halloween extravaganzas on TODAY every year. Their latest creations are expected to play a significant role in the grand celebration of “SNL’s” 50th anniversary, set to air on Feb. 16 on NBC and stream on Peacock. (Peacock is a division of our parent company, NBCUniversal.) This article was originally featured on TODAY.com.
