Fans of the fly-on-the-wall documentary series What Katie Did Next may have noticed how reluctant Katie Price, aka Jordan, is to face the world (or cameras!) without the help of her makeup artist (and best friend) Gary Cockerill. In fact, Gary, 39, is such a regular feature on the show that viewers could be forgiven for thinking that the former glamour model (turned businesswoman extraordinaire) is his only client, but they would be wrong.
In fact, Gary’s client list is one that must be envied by his peers both here In the UK and across the pond and includes name such as Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kelly Brooke, Antonio Banderas and David Beckham - not bad for a former coal miner from Yorkshire.
Gary Cokerill’s Rise to Fame
Gary grew up in the Yorkshire mining town of Armthorpe and left school with an HND in Art and Graphic Design. Unable to find a job that would put his skills to good use, the artistic lad applied to the local colliery and began working underground in the dark while he dreamed of heading for the lights of the big city.
After six months Gary was able to finance a move to London, where his design qualifications landed him a job painting mannequins faces for shop windows. Realising he had a talent for making faces look good, Gary soon began to work with make-up and started studying for a hairdressing qualification.
TV Make-Up Expert Gary Cockerill
As a multi-skilled and terrifically talented stylist, word soon began to spread about the boy who had gone from coal to kohl. One celebrity client followed another, with names such as Liza Minelli, Jerry Hall and Rachel Hunter soon employing his services. His friendly and approachable manner landed him coveted sofa spots on daytime television programmes such as GMTV, This Morning and The Big Breakfast.
TV Personalities Meet and Wed
Despite his busy schedule, Gary still found time to find love, and in 2005 was married to his partner TV DIY guru Phill Turner at London’s Grovsenor Hotel. The couple renews their vows at Syon House in Brentford recently with Katie Price acting as a "groomsmaid" for the pair.
Top UK Make-Up Artist
Gary’s strong work ethic and obvious talent have earned him the title of the UK's top make-up artist, with bands such as the Spice Girls, Liberty X and Atomic Kitten all having his skills to thank for at least some of their flawless photos and his success has stretched across the Atlantic with stars such as Willem Defoe, Darryl Hannah and Elle MacPherson in his portfolio. Future projects are set to include his own television show for Living TV and his own make-up range.
 |
 |
 |
