Renate Leuschner
(1940-2021)
Journeyman Hair Stylist
Journeyman Hairstylist Renate Leuschner joined Local 706 in 1974. She was the pre-eminent wigmaker in Los Angeles since the 1970’s.
Born in Berlin Germany, and trained in theatrical hairdressing and wig-making, she first came into prominence as Cher’s hairstylist and wigmaker at CBS on the Sonny & Cher Show; they continued to work together on many films, including Mask, The Witches of Eastwick, Mermaids and Moonstruck. With two Emmy nominations, she was the go-to wigmaker for dozens of "A List" actors, working with Angela Lansbury, Robin Williams, Melanie Griffith, Jack Lemmon, Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Uma Thurman and many more. Her wigs were featured in many films, including Beaches, Wayne’s World, Dracula, Forest Gump, Hocus Pocus and Mahogany.
In 1997, she was honored at the 60th Anniversary celebration for Local 706. An interview can be found on the Local 706 website: www.local706.org/legacy-video-series. Renate passed peacefully on Dec 8.
