Hollywood & Mane: Elizabeth Perkins Dyes For Weeds

Elizabeth Perkins is an extremely talented actress who has never gotten her just due.  She absolutely sparkled in the film Big with Tom Hanks in 1988 and many critics expected her career to soar.  It didn't even though the actress is a major talent.

Elizabeth Perkins August 27, 2006

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Maybe it was timing or maybe it was the roles?  Or could even have been her hair.  You may scoff at that thought but many actresses have watched their careers soar after changing their natural hair color, which is the current case for Elizabeth in the Showtime hit - Weeds.

Regardless of why this fine actress was left in the shadows, her star is definitely shining in her current cable TV role.

The native New Yorker (born November 18, 1960 in Queens) is stellar in the role of the mean "rich bitch" neighbor to Nancy (Mary Louise Parker) in the top rated Weeds.   Yes you may hate her character who bullies her daughter mercilessly about her hair, weight and sexual preferences but after all, this is what they call acting. 

Ironically the natural brunette actress agreed to have her hair bleached platinum blonde for the role which many believe will actually win her the praise that she is finally due for her acting talents.

Celebrity Hairdresser Robert Hallowell worked as the head hairdresser on the original Weeds pilot.  Robert who had worked with star Mary Louise Parker (MLP) on previous films (Boys On The Side) was specifically requested to design the hairstyles for the award winning hit.

What exactly does a head hairdresser do on a TV show?  According to Robert the head hairdresser is tasked with translating the producer's vision of how the major characters should look into actual hair colors and styles.  Once the show begins filming the head hairdresser also works with the major characters.  Since some shows have many characters it is impossible for one hairdresser to coif everyone on the set.

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Elizabeth Perkins 1-12-05

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In the case of the Weeds pilot Robert was responsible for designing MLP's hairstyle to represent a laid back suburban housewife who sold pot.  He also translated the producer's vision of Elizabeth who plays "rich bitch" Celia Hodes into a platinum blonde.  Robert actually bleached the tresses of the beautiful actress and reported that it definitely gave her a completely different look.

Did she have to go platinum blonde?  Well yes, but maybe she could have worn a wig.  According to Robert the very best actresses like MLP and Elizabeth do whatever it takes to achieve an authentic characterization.  They honor their craft to the point of being willing to alter their physical appearance to bring the true character to life.

Elizabeth's recent films include "Fierce People" directed by Griffin Dunne, "The Ring Two" and "Must Love Dogs" opposite her good friend Diane Lane.  She also stars in the upcoming SHOWTIME Independent Film "Speak".

To read more about Elizabeth Perkins stop by Karen's Blog at DailyCeleb.com.