Curb Your Enthusiasm is in its final season and will end its run in April after an incredible 24 years. The show (in case you're the only person in the world who hasn't seen it) centers on Larry David, who stars as a fictionalized version of himself.
We sat down with Helen Kalognomos, key makeup artist on the series, who has worked on the show for the past 15 years, starting with season 7 in 2009, and now, season 12, which kicked off its first episode yesterday, February 4. Helen Kalognomos pulls back the curtain on Curb Your Enthusiasm and talks about what it's been like working with the incomparable Larry David.
Armenian Film Society: Can you tell us about your Armenian background?
Helen Kalognomos: I'm three quarters Armenian and a quarter Russian and Greek. My mother is 100% Armenian from Tehran and my father is Armenian, Russian, and Greek from Marseille. When I'm introduced, people say, "Oh, you're Greek!" and I rejoice in one of two ways: either with a "Yes" or a "Yes and...," and it all depends on how hard my Armenian identity kicks me under the table for an introduction, (usually pretty hard).
AFS: How did you start your career in makeup?
HK: During my summer breaks in college, I worked with student photographers at the Art Center in Pasadena doing makeup and getting experience on shoots. Post-college and after two years of co-teaching in a pre-school, I decided to change my career to pursue makeup full time. I wasn't sure what kind of makeup I wanted to do, so I trained at Make-up Designory in Burbank and the road led me to joining the union and doing mostly television and commercials.
AFS: How did you first get involved in the film and entertainment industry?
HK: My family has a bit of history in it. My grandmother was a cutter/fitter and wardrobe mistress on Carol Burnett and Sonny and Cher in the 1960s and 1970s (she sewed for Bob Mackie), Little House on the Prairie and Knight Rider in the 1980s, and even a little bit on Friends before she retired. Her brother, my great uncle, was a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. My brother also works in events for the entertainment industry and used to produce film festivals. My grandfather was a writer and my uncle was a musician. I've spent some time in front of the camera as well. There was always talk about movies and television in our home.
AFS: Curb Your Enthusiasm is currently in its final season. You've worked on the show since 2009. How did the opportunity first come about?
HK: A colleague of mine, Thomas Kolarek, called and asked if I was available and interested in working on it. I thought to myself, "The position opened up on this hit show and he called me?" I couldn't believe it. I said yes and became his key makeup artist for the next six seasons.
AFS: What has your role been on the show over the past few years? How has it evolved as the show has grown?
HK: My role has always been Larry's groomer. Pre-COVID, I got other talent ready as well but post-COVID, we had to be really careful so I started working with him exclusively.
AFS: What's Larry David like?
HK: He’s really nice! Once you understand how many hats he wears on set, you can’t help but marvel at his talent. When I first started doing television shows, they were all copying Curb Your Enthusiasm's style of improvisation, so I realized how big of an influence he had on the industry.
AFS: What is your typical day like on Curb Your Enthusiasm?
HK: In the morning, I grab my kit from the makeup trailer, take a van to Larry's trailer and get him ready, then I go to set for the rest of the day. We average 11-12 hour work days, which is long, but not that bad. On Curb Your Enthusiasm, I can have a life outside of work. It's a great schedule. I will miss it.
AFS: How is Curb Your Enthusiasm different from other projects you've worked on?
HK: It's different in so many ways. On set, it’s a remarkably down-to-earth atmosphere for being such an iconic show. The main cast is obviously so funny so there's a lot of joking and laughing, and they’re all really nice. Everyone from guest star actors to makeup day-players comment on how nice everyone is. Regarding makeup, I'm mobile with a super-condensed kit so I can work anywhere. I've learned to be flexible.
AFS: What advice do you have for aspiring artists who want to be in a position similar to yours?
HK: The usual advice: be professional, reliable, flexible, and nice.
