Iris Gillispie . . . was born and raised in Martinsville, Virginia. At the age of 18 she moved to Los Angeles where she has since had many diverse experiences. While in college her career’s first aspirations leaned toward accounting and business. Half way through she discovered that the film industry was more her liking.

After acquiring her AA, she focused her attentions on intense training with some of the top makeup artists in Los Angeles. Starting with training at the University of Southern California’s Theater Department and Los Angeles Valley College Theater Department; took private classes at the Tom Burman Makeup Effects Studios and then with artists such as Barry Copper and Tommy Cole -- beauty/glamour makeup artist.

During Iris’ 25-year career as a freelance makeup, hair and special effects artist in Los Angeles and New York, she has worked in every aspect of the industry from movies to TV shows to commercials. She has had the pleasure of working with celebrities such as Danny Thomas, George Burns, Dustin Hoffman, Kirk Douglas, William Shatner, Natasha Kinski and Bob Hope, to mention only a few. She has traveled all over the US, Mexico and parts of Europe for her work.

During her career she also owned and operated a California State approved Private Post-Secondary Educational Facility, “Makeup Techniques”. The school was located in the heart of Hollywood at “Television Center”. Training in all aspects of makeup was offered -- including special effects -- as well as aid in job placement.

Her most recent career training, in Los Angeles, has been in digital media production and editing. Her husband’s retirement will soon bring her back to her home state of Virginia with plans to develop her own video production, music and advertising company in the Roanoke area.

"Bootie" Chewning and Sandra R. Eubank along with the full Advisory Board welcome Iris Gillispie to the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office's Advisory Board. We feel it is an honor and a privilege to have someone of Iris' background join us in this most important endeavor.

Iris is pictured above on Dustin Hoffman's shoulders with Warren Beatty, and applying make-up to Mr. George Burns!