Michael Westmore Net Worth

What is Michael Westmore's Net Worth?

Michael Westmore is an American make-up artist who has a net worth of $5 million.

Michael Westmore is best known for his groundbreaking work on the "Star Trek" franchise. A four-time Emmy Award winner, Westmore helped redefine the art of character and creature makeup for television, creating some of the most iconic alien designs in science fiction history. As a member of the legendary Westmore family, Hollywood's first family of makeup artists, he carried forward a multigenerational legacy while also modernizing the craft for a new era of television production.

Westmore's career is most closely associated with "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," and "Star Trek: Voyager," where his work set new standards for prosthetics, character continuity, and daily episodic production. Over decades in the industry, he became known not only for his artistic vision but also for his ability to run large makeup departments with the efficiency and discipline of a studio system veteran.

Early Life and the Westmore Legacy

Michael Westmore was born on March 22, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, into one of the most influential families in Hollywood history. He is the son of Monte Westmore and the nephew of Perc Westmore, both of whom were central figures in shaping the studio-era makeup departments at Warner Bros. and other major studios. The Westmore name became synonymous with glamour, innovation, and technical excellence in Hollywood makeup.

Growing up surrounded by the film industry, Michael was exposed to makeup artistry from an early age. Unlike earlier generations of his family who primarily worked in film, Westmore would ultimately make his greatest impact in television, a medium that demanded faster turnaround times, durability, and consistency across hundreds of episodes.

Early Career and Industry Training

Westmore began his career working in film and television during the 1960s, learning the technical foundations of prosthetics, mold-making, and character design. He gradually built a reputation as a reliable and inventive makeup artist, capable of handling both beauty makeup and complex special effects.

By the 1970s and early 1980s, Westmore was increasingly drawn toward science fiction and fantasy projects, where his ability to create believable non-human characters could be fully utilized. That skill set would soon place him at the center of one of television's most ambitious franchises.

The "Star Trek" Era

Michael Westmore's career-defining opportunity came in 1987 when he was hired as the makeup supervisor for "Star Trek: The Next Generation." The series posed an unprecedented challenge for television makeup. Each episode required dozens of alien characters, many of whom needed to appear consistently over multiple seasons while still allowing actors to perform comfortably under heavy prosthetics.

Westmore and his team rose to the challenge, creating iconic species such as the Klingons, Ferengi, Cardassians, and Borg. His approach emphasized realism, anatomical logic, and character distinction, ensuring that each alien race felt culturally and biologically coherent.

He continued as makeup supervisor on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "Star Trek: Voyager," overseeing thousands of makeup applications across more than 500 combined episodes. His work earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards and made him one of the most respected figures in television makeup.

Getty Images

Leadership and Innovation

Beyond artistry, Westmore was known for his leadership. Running a "Star Trek" makeup department required managing large teams, coordinating with directors and producers, and maintaining strict schedules. His ability to deliver high-quality results under intense time pressure became a model for television production.

Westmore also embraced new materials and techniques, helping transition the industry from traditional foam latex toward more advanced prosthetic materials. His insistence on comfort and performance ensured that actors could deliver nuanced performances despite extensive makeup.

Later Career and "Face Off"

In the 2010s, Westmore found renewed public visibility as a judge on the Syfy competition series "Face Off." The show, which is hosted by his daughter McKenzie Westmore, brought professional makeup effects artistry into the mainstream, introducing audiences to the technical and creative challenges of the craft.

As a judge, Westmore was known for his calm authority and emphasis on fundamentals such as clean application, character logic, and storytelling. His presence lent the show credibility and connected a new generation of artists to Hollywood's makeup traditions.

Who's Richer?

Michael
Westmore

Compare!

McKenzie
Westmore