The Secret 8-Year Career: 5 Shocking Facts About Jeremy Renner's Past As A Makeup Artist

The name Jeremy Renner instantly conjures images of the stoic Avenger Hawkeye, the intense Sergeant James in *The Hurt Locker*, or the powerful Mike McLusky in *Mayor of Kingstown*. However, before he was a two-time Academy Award nominee and a global action star, Renner had a surprising and lucrative side hustle that spanned nearly a decade: he was a professional makeup artist. As of late 2025, this little-known chapter of his life continues to fascinate fans, revealing a resourceful and creative side to the actor that directly funded his path to Hollywood stardom. This article delves into the unique history of Jeremy Renner's time behind the makeup counter, examining how his early career shaped his perspective, and introduces the elite professionals who now manage his look on set, such as his personal makeup artist for the hit series *Mayor of Kingstown*, Tracy Ewell.

Jeremy Renner: From Lancôme Counter to Marvel Cinematic Universe

Jeremy Lee Renner's journey to becoming a global star is a testament to resilience and resourcefulness. His early career was far from the red-carpet glamour he experiences today, marked by years of juggling odd jobs—including a significant stint in the beauty industry—to pay the bills while pursuing his acting dream.

Jeremy Renner's Essential Biography Profile

• Full Name: Jeremy Lee Renner
• Date of Birth: January 7, 1971
• Place of Birth: Modesto, California, U.S.
• Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
• Occupation: Actor, Producer, Musician, Former Makeup Artist
• Years Active: 1995–present
• Notable Roles: Clint Barton / Hawkeye (MCU), Sergeant William James (*The Hurt Locker*), James Coughlin (*The Town*), Mike McLusky (*Mayor of Kingstown*)
• Academy Award Nominations: Two (Best Actor for *The Hurt Locker*, Best Supporting Actor for *The Town*)
• Early Career Secret: Worked as a makeup artist for approximately eight years.
• Recent News: Continued recovery and return to filming after a near-fatal snowplow accident in January 2023.

The 8-Year Secret: Jeremy Renner's Life as a Department Store Makeup Artist

The most surprising chapter of Jeremy Renner’s professional life is the nearly eight years he spent working as a makeup artist, primarily on weekends, to finance his acting career. This wasn't a brief, experimental phase; it was a serious, long-term commitment that allowed him to survive in Los Angeles.

1. He Learned His Skills in Theater Class

Renner's initial exposure to the art of makeup wasn't through a formal beauty school, but through his early work in theater. He developed the skills necessary for stage makeup, which he then adapted for retail and personal application. This foundational knowledge proved invaluable when he needed a reliable source of income.

2. He Worked for Major Brands Like Lancôme

To make ends meet while auditioning for roles, Renner secured a job as a makeup artist in a department store, with sources indicating he worked for high-end brands like Lancôme. He recounted that he was "terrible at selling" the products, but he excelled at the application itself. His focus was purely on the creative and technical side of the job.

3. The Job Paid for His Auditions and Classes

Renner explicitly stated that his work as a makeup artist was his financial lifeline. It provided the necessary funds for acting classes, headshots, and transportation to auditions, which are notoriously expensive for aspiring actors in Hollywood. This resourcefulness is a key part of his personal legend, highlighting his dedication to his ultimate goal.

4. He Gave Drew Barrymore Lipstick Advice

In a charming anecdote that highlights his expertise, Renner once revealed that he gave actress Drew Barrymore advice on her lipstick application. This playful interaction underscores his genuine skill and comfort with the craft, even after transitioning to a full-time acting career. This moment serves as a fun reminder of his former life.

5. The Experience Taught Him Patience and Observation

Working so closely with people, often under pressure, taught Renner valuable lessons that he carried into his acting. As a makeup artist, he had to be patient, observant, and skilled at reading people—traits that are essential for developing complex characters like Hawkeye or Mike McLusky. The intimate nature of the work provided a unique form of human connection and study.

The Current Professionals: Tracy Ewell and Bill Corso

While Jeremy Renner has the skills to do his own makeup, his demanding schedule and the complexity of modern film production require the expertise of dedicated, high-level professionals. The industry relies on specialized artists to create the seamless, character-driven looks seen on screen.

Tracy Ewell: The Personal Makeup Artist for *Mayor of Kingstown*

For his critically acclaimed Paramount+ series, *Mayor of Kingstown*, Jeremy Renner’s personal look is managed by the talented Tracy Ewell. She is credited as both a makeup designer and Renner's personal makeup artist on the show.

A Veteran of Film and Television

Tracy Ewell is a professional celebrity makeup artist and a member of Local 798, the union for makeup artists and hairstylists in the film and television industry. Her career path is a mirror of professional dedication, having worked with a mentor for five years, owned a makeup boutique for eight years, and then transitioned to working exclusively on feature films and hit series. She has worked on nearly 50 feature films, showcasing her deep experience in the industry.

Ewell’s work on *Mayor of Kingstown* is crucial for Mike McLusky’s character, who often sports a rugged, lived-in look appropriate for a powerful figure in a gritty, prison-centric town. The makeup helps to convey the stress, exhaustion, and intensity of McLusky’s role as the city’s unofficial power broker.

Bill Corso: An Oscar-Winning Industry Peer

Another high-profile name associated with Jeremy Renner is Bill Corso, an acclaimed makeup designer and artist. Corso, who has an impressive filmography including work with legends like Rick Baker, is an Oscar winner known for his transformative makeup designs.

The Documentary Connection

Bill Corso was mentioned in connection with a documentary film about Renner, *Chronicles of Disney*, alongside Oscar-winning costume designer Mark Bridges. While the film's status and affiliation with Disney have been subjects of discussion, Corso's involvement highlights the caliber of professionals who collaborate with the Marvel star. His inclusion in such a project speaks to the respect Renner commands within the Hollywood makeup and costume community.

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Topical Authority Entities: Connecting Renner's Worlds

The world of Jeremy Renner’s career is rich with entities that link his past as a makeup artist to his present as a superhero. These connections provide a deeper understanding of his professional journey.

• The Hurt Locker (2008): Renner’s breakout role, which earned him his first Academy Award nomination, was a turning point that ended his need for side jobs like makeup artistry.
• Mayor of Kingstown: The current vehicle where Tracy Ewell applies her craft to create the signature look of Mike McLusky.
• Lancôme: The high-end beauty brand where Renner reportedly worked, providing him with the income needed to survive in Los Angeles.
• Local 798: The professional union for makeup artists, of which Tracy Ewell is a member, signifying her elite status in the industry.
• Snowplow Accident: Renner's near-fatal accident in 2023 brought his life and career back into the spotlight, showcasing his remarkable recovery and resilience.
• Hawkeye / MCU: His most famous role as Clint Barton, the character that solidified his global star status and moved him far beyond his department store days.
• Drew Barrymore: The celebrity he gave makeup advice to, highlighting his unexpected expertise.

In summary, the story of Jeremy Renner's makeup artist past is more than a fun fact—it’s a powerful narrative of determination. It reveals that the Academy Award-nominated actor is not only a skilled performer but also a resourceful, hands-on creative who literally built his career from the ground up, one perfectly applied foundation at a time. This early experience undoubtedly gives him a unique appreciation for the work of professionals like Tracy Ewell and Bill Corso, who now help craft his on-screen image.