Janice Brandow
(1938-2022)
Journeyman Hair Stylist

"Far too few in our community today would give so unselefishly of their time and talents."  (Quote from Howard Smit, Business Representative). Jan Brandow was a woman of firsts, she led the way.  She was IATSE Local 706’s first woman President, she was the first hair stylist to sit as a Governor with the Television Acadeemy, and she was the first hair stylist to win an Emmy when the category was created in 1974.. 

Tutored by her aunt, who was also a 706 hair stylist, Jan worked primarily for Fox Studios productions beginning in 1969.  Jan’s first television productions were Felony Squad, Room 222, Peyton Place and Land of the Giants.   Her first feature film was Hello Dolly! where she ran the background period hair styling.  Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Scarface, Myra Breckenridge, Cat People, Kansas City Bomber, Murphy’s Romance, and Sleeper.  Jan was the personal hair stylist for both Raquel Welch and Natalie Wood and did numerous productions with both of them.  Jan also did TV Mini Series From Here to Eternity, Hart to Hart and George Washington (Emmy nomination).  She accumulated six Emmy nominations and one win, for The Triangle Factory File Scandal.  As a true union leader, she was especially proud of this TV movie. 

When "union talk" among her peers made her curious, she decided to get involved.  She served as a Hair Styling Convention Delegate, Craft Presideent, Executive Board member, Recording Secretary, Vice President and then was elected as the first female Presideent of Local 706 amd held that posiiton for three terms until her retirement in 2000.  She was a Governor with the Television Acadeemy and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.  Jan was instrumental obtaining separate Emmy recognition for make-up artists and hair stylists when they created the categories.  She was on every committee you can imagine - Constitution, Welfare, Journeyman Examination, Union Achievement  (she also received the "Smitty" Award)  but she was proudest of the beautiful 60th Anniversary gala that honored so many and displayed the tremendous talents and the magic of the Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild.  

During her tenure as President she also addressed obstacles such as the elimination of the 706 classification of Body Make-up Artists and transitioned them to Journeyman Make-up Artists.  She sat on the Negotiations Committee for more than 20 years and skillfully worked with Business Reps Howard Smit and Al Fama to smooth feathers when necessary but took up the gauntlet when fighting for wage equality between make-up artists and hair stylists.  "Mommer" was strong but kind, and fair.  She helped to write the rules and followed them as an example. She always had every member’s best interest at heart and her actions were always for the betterment of Local 706.  Jan Brandow earned her Gold Card in 1997 and retired in 2000.

Janice Brandow was born June 16,1938 to Jesse and Martha Johnson in Santa Monica California. She grew up in Burbank with her brother Richard Johnson. Janice married Dennis Brandow in 1974 they lived in West Hills California. She and her husband Dennis moved to Oregon and spent time traveling and working with the Elks organization. They moved to Florence, OR in 2000. After moving to Florence Janice enjoyed doing Stained Glass, camping with their RV, reading, and the Lady Elks where she was president for 2 years. 

Janice passed away  in January 2022. She was preceded in death by her son Robert Brandow, father Jesse C Johnson, mother Martha R Johnson. She is survived by her husband Dennis Brandow, daughter Terri Brunson; sibling Richard Johnson; granddaughter Tawnee Brunson; Great grandchildren Alexander, Dylan, Cole, Donovan, Olivia; Niece Cyndy Johnson. The family would like to thank Peace Health Home Health and Rehab. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.