Ava Gillies, Makeup Artist for Barbie and Bridgerton, Dies in Car Crash at 26

Ava Gillies, a 26-year-old makeup artist who contributed to major productions including Barbie, Bridgerton, and The Crown, died in a car accident in Wrelton, England. Her white Volkswagen Polo collided with a black Audi A4 in the early morning hours, with authorities pronounced her dead at the scene.

The Accident and Career

The collision occurred on a country road in Wrelton, North Yorkshire, around 1:30 a.m., according to police records. Gillies had established herself as a skilled makeup artist over more than five years of professional work in film and television, accumulating credits across some of the entertainment industry's most recognizable projects.

Her portfolio included makeup work on the blockbuster film Barbie, alongside other major motion pictures such as Wonder Woman 1984, Snow White, and Belfast. On television, she contributed her expertise to acclaimed series including Bridgerton, The Crown, Band of Spies, and Star Wars: The Acolyte. She also worked on commercials and short films throughout her career.

Recognition and Legacy

Gillies received membership in the BAFTA Connect program in 2023, a three-year initiative designed to develop emerging talent within the entertainment industry. Her family emphasized that her recognition extended far beyond household credentials, noting in their tribute that she had earned the respect and affection of colleagues across the film and television sectors.

In their statement, her family described Gillies as their "beautiful daughter, sister and granddaughter," celebrating her wit, charm, and professional excellence. They reflected on how she "packed in so much study, travel, and work" during her nearly 27 years of life. The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the film industry, the wider community, and those who had worked alongside her, describing the messages as expressions of love and respect for both her talent and character.