Obituary of Richard Dean

December 14, 2025

Richard Dean died peacefully at his home in Brooklyn Heights on December 14, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 81 years old.

Born on October 28, 1944, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Richard showed an early aptitude for art and storytelling. He joined the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre as an adolescent and was often cast in juvenile leading roles. Richard graduated with a Master’s Degree in Theater and Speech from the University of Michigan before moving to New York City to begin his career.

After a short stint working for the Director of the Performing Arts Center at Brooklyn College, Richard turned to the film industry. He quickly rose through the ranks, working on independent and underground films in New York and designing make-up for Madonna and Deborah Harry before joining Local 798. As a staff make-up artist at NBC for six years, Richard worked on everything from Nightly News to Saturday Night Live. Over a long and distinguished career, he contributed to more than seventy films and television shows around the world.

Widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most accomplished make-up artists and designers, he collaborated with actors including Julia Roberts (on 24 films), Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore, and Tina Fey, among many others. His work can be seen in films such as The Cotton Club, Desperately Seeking Susan, Dick Tracy, Far and Away, Fatal Attraction, Jacob’s Ladder, Ocean’s 11, A Few Good Men, The Firm, Notting Hill, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Erin Brockovich, and Eat Pray Love, as well as five seasons of the television series 30 Rock.

He found fulfillment and meaning in his work, collaborating with actors, directors, and other designers. Richard knew how to create characters that were true to the story and script; he understood character and how it could be revealed through the subtle refinement of make-up.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Richard was admired for his character. He had a gift for making others feel seen and valued. Known for his discretion and steadfast loyalty, he always kept confidences and offered encouragement. He was an accomplished painter in both oil and acrylic. Richard moved through life with thoughtfulness, intelligence, and gentle humor.

In retirement, Richard became involved with the Brooklyn Heights Association, where he found great pleasure tending, planting, and beautifying the gardens along the Promenade and in Brooklyn Bridge Park. He embraced volunteer work with enthusiasm and generosity. In March, he will receive the Community Service Award for his commitment and meaningful contributions to the BHA.

He was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and, for many years, served on the committee that rated and critiqued student films from around the world.

He is survived by his sister, Susan Chmurynsky of Lansing, Michigan. Those who knew him will remember not only the extraordinary work he left on screen, but also the generosity of spirit and gentle steadiness he brought to every room he entered.