Dick Smith

Dick Smith was interviewed for five-and-a-half hours at his home workshop, in Sarasota, FL.  Smith talked about the obstacles of establishing the first television makeup department at NBC.  As TV's premiere makeup artist, he discussed the challenges of working with the studio’s hot lights, the live schedule that left little time for changes, and developing the correct colors and textures to be seen on the first television screens.  Smith recalled the many mishaps while doing live television, and how he eventually honed his skills, and pioneered techniques and materials that enabled television makeup departments to evolve.  Among the show that Smith spoke about in great detail were Philco-Goodyear Playhouse, Hallmark Hall of Fame , and Mark Twain Tonight !  The interview was conducted by Jeff Kisseloff on May 15, 1996.