Now that Bridgerton season 2 has dropped on Netflix, fans are already speeding through the episodes to find out how Anthony Bridgerton’s (Jonathan Bailey) relationship with newcomer Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) will unfold.
At the end of the first episode of the show, which saw Kate make her entrance in society in front of Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) with her younger sister, Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran), a special dedication was made to Marc Pilcher.
The tribute came after the final scene before the credits rolled, stating: ‘In Memory to Marc Pilcher.’
While some viewers may have immediately known who Pilcher was, others may not have been aware of his work on Bridgerton.
So who was Pilcher and what did his work entail on the period drama?
Who was Marc Pilcher?
Pilcher was a British hair stylist and make-up artist, who died in October 2021 at the age of 53.
Shortly before his death, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding hairstyling for his work on Bridgerton, having also worked on other period productions including Beauty and the Beast, Downton Abbey and The Young Victoria.
In 2018, he was nominated for an Oscar for his work on the film Mary Queen of Scots, starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, having begun his career in hairdressing in the theatre on London’s West End.
At the time of his death, it was reported that he had tested positive for Covid-19.
Tributes came pouring in for Pilcher, including from Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington in the series.
Sharing a black-and-white photo of her former coworker on social media, the Derry Girls actor said that she was ‘heartbroken’ over the loss.
‘So heartbroken by the loss of Marc Pilcher, the brilliant and visionary Hair and Makeup designer for Bridgerton Season One,’ she wrote at the time.
‘Marc was so passionate about his work and so tremendously talented. Not even a month ago he won his first Emmy award.’
She continued, writing: ‘It’s a tragedy that he’s been taken so young when he had so much yet to do. Please also use this as a reminder that Covid is still a very real and present danger, please get vaccinated and mask up to protect yourself and others.’
Coughlan also said that her heart went out to his friends, family and team.
‘He loved and cared for you all so much and my heart goes out to you all. Rest in Peace Marc,’ she tweeted.
Lynda J Pearce, who worked with Pilcher on Bridgerton, added: ‘Rest in peace my dear friend. I will love you forever and I will hold you safely in my heart always.’
Bridgerton is available to watch on Netflix.
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