Kazu Hiro’s Journey: From Hollywood Exit to Oscar Triumph

Kazu Hiro, a renowned special and makeup effects artist, stepped away from Hollywood due to a challenging work environment but has since returned to the industry and achieved remarkable success. The Academy Award winner, known for his transformative work on films such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) and Darkest Hour (2017), found his passion for the craft eroded by the unkindness of certain actors.

Hiro recalls a particularly difficult period early in his career while working under Oscar-winning makeup artist Rick Baker. He faced hostility from some actors, leading him to temporarily abandon his lifelong dream. “Some actors were quite mean, but I had to stick with it,” he stated in an interview with Culture 101. “There was one time I actually left the film industry because I had enough of it.”

In 2012, Hiro redirected his focus to sculpting, a discipline that had provided him solace during a solitary childhood. He spent his time creating hyperrealistic busts of historical figures, including Frida Kahlo and Abraham Lincoln. His fascination with the human face stems from a desire to understand people, shaped by experiences in an abusive family environment. “I was kind of afraid of people,” he explained. “I tried to analyse who this person is, just by looking at their face or behaviour.”

Hiro’s artistic journey began in earnest when he encountered an interview with legendary makeup artist Dick Smith in a horror magazine, which inspired him to pursue a career in makeup effects. After corresponding with Smith, he embarked on an informal mentorship, learning techniques that would later define his career.

After a five-year hiatus from film, an unexpected opportunity arose in 2017 when Gary Oldman expressed a desire to work specifically with Hiro for the role of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. “I thought, okay, once I made a life decision… I felt like betraying my decision,” Hiro reflected on the choice he faced. Ultimately, he accepted the role, leading to his first Oscar win in 2018.

Building on the momentum from his success, Hiro received a second Academy Award for his work on Bombshell in 2020. He describes the Oscar as a significant milestone in the film industry, noting its importance but also emphasizing that it is not the sole measure of success.

One of his most fulfilling projects has been Maestro, a biopic about composer Leonard Bernstein, directed by Bradley Cooper. Hiro had studied Bernstein’s features for years, making this project particularly special. Despite facing criticism regarding Cooper’s prosthetic nose, which some deemed an antisemitic caricature, Hiro stood firm in his defense. “It’s just simply doing a likeness makeup,” he stated, noting that Bernstein’s family did not have any issues with the portrayal.

Hiro has observed a shift in the industry since his return. The actors he now collaborates with demonstrate a greater level of respect and professionalism compared to his earlier experiences. He has also become more selective in his choices, often seeking feedback on the reputation of potential collaborators. “When I take a job, I will ask around what is the reputation [of the actor],” he explained. “It’s the same as a human relationship because it’s an important part of how to approach and build a relationship.”

Through perseverance and a renewed passion for his craft, Kazu Hiro’s story highlights the resilience of an artist who has successfully navigated the complexities of Hollywood, emerging with accolades and a deeper appreciation for his work.