Shu Uemura Dead at 79 Due to Pneumonia
Cosmetics guru, the Japanese Shu Uemura, founder of the Shu Uemura brand, passed away on December 29, 2007 due to pneumonia.
Uemura, who gained acclaim working with actress Shirley MacLaine on the 1962 Hollywood film “My Geisha,” died of pneumonia in Tokyo on Dec. 29, according to a statement released Tuesday by his company, also called Shu Uemura. Its products were mentioned in the more recent film “The Devil Wears Prada.”
Known for his legendary cleansing oils and eyelash curlers, Mr. Shu Uemura began his career as a makeup artist in Hollywood in 1955. His first big break came during the filming of Paramount’s My Geisha, starring Shirley MacLaine when Ms. MacLaine’s makeup artist fell sick and Mr. Uemura was called to substitute.
Shu Uemura is survived by his wife and son.
