Note: This story will get very silly, I promise. After all we are talking about one of the most renowned comedians.
Let me take you back to November 2021, just a month after my traumatic divorce was finalized. The house I once owned now has new locks that exclude me, I've lost close to half a million dollars, and there's an unjust restraining order against me (a cinematic story for another time). My life felt bleak in many ways, yet sometimes I found a silver lining, believing that hope was on the horizon in this journey we call "life." Divorce is a common experience these days, and you might be familiar with the heaviness that lingers after such a life-altering event, praying for any small moment of joy or hope.
And little did I know the very definition of joy was just around the corner.
My phone rings, and to my surprise, it's Dave Brewer. He's a well-known photographer, venue owner, producer, and entrepreneur in Salt Lake City. We've been collaborating since 2008, sharing a long history of developing our careers alongside each other. However, we mostly experienced success separately, like ships passing in the night, and seldom worked directly together.
He mentions he's working on an upcoming Netflix project and requires a Makeup Artist for the star. He casually asks me, "How would you feel about doing Jim Gaffigan's makeup?" My eyes light up and a smile spreads across my face. Although I'm reasonably familiar with comedians, I'm no expert, so I was thrilled that one of my favorites was coming to town and needed my help. It was the perfect light-hearted project with some of my favorite crew members - hope and joy were on my side! Around this time getting little big wins in life I often thought of the phrase, "Thank God there IS a God" and chuckled. Regardless of any of our beliefs or non-beliefs , I think we can all agree it feels good when life seems to be rooting us on.
On December 2nd, I drive to The Vivint Arena, home of the Utah Jazz. I back my car into the rear loading zone and grab my makeup kit, ring light, and high chair. Before proceeding beyond the lobby, it's time for Covid testing. It's strange to think how normal it was back then to arrive at a film or photo set and have to test for Covid before starting the day. I recall the horror stories of camera crews getting nosebleeds from excessive testing. Fortunately, I test negative for Covid and head into the green room to start preparing for Jim.
As a makeup artist, one of my "brand" trademarks has been using a candle or oil diffuser, playing chill music, incorporating palo santo, and applying peppermint oil either to the client's palms or my own wrists. This setup creates a soothing and relaxed atmosphere for both the client and myself. Over time, and quite unintentionally, this became my "brand signature." Anyone who has worked in a high-pressure or high-stress industry understands the importance of having something that grounds you, helps you reset, and allows you to perform at your best.
Over the years, I discovered through trial and error that the industry could either overwhelm me with its "hurry up and wait" approach, long hours, and intense personalities, or it could serve as a platform for my creativity, a means to connect with others, and an opportunity to showcase my natural talents while continuing to learn and expand my business.
One way I ensured my career was fulfilling rather than draining was by creating a space with calm, "clean energy." Although this may seem unconventional, scientific studies have shown that Palo Santo oil can relieve headaches, colds, stress, and act as an anti-inflammatory. Peppermint Oil is known for its ability to reset mood, increase alertness, and enhance concentration. For centuries, Palo Santo wood has been burned in rituals, yoga classes, meditations etc, worldwide to "cleanse the energy" and improve respiratory health. Why wouldn't I want that kind of peaceful environment for the VIPs in my makeup chair, the film crew, and, admittedly, for myself as well? ◡̈
Jim arrives and enters the green room, and I warmly greet the polite, thinning hair, 40 year old man whom in his own humorous words has a dad-bod and fair skin. He has the same friendly, monotone voice you hear on stage and calmly mentions that he's a fortunate husband and father. While I review the usual skin and makeup allergy questions, I quietly start prepping his skin with some simple facial techniques. As an esthetician, I always aim to include quality, trusted skincare and lymphatic drainage before applying makeup.
Jim notices the tattoo on my finger, a Taurus zodiac symbol I've had since I was 21. He asks about its meaning, and when I reply, "I am a Taurus," he sarcastically responds, "Yeah, that makes sense." We both know he's probably not a fan of astrology. Having grown up with three brothers, I have a knack for "bro-ing down with the boys" and engaging in witty banter. Sensing he's open to conversation, I ask him about his zodiac sign, and he replies, "A Cancer, of course," in his usual monotone voice, referencing Cancer as the disease with uncontrollable cell growth. If you're familiar with Jim Gaffigan or check him out on Wikipedia, it mentions he's known for his bits on laziness or self-deprecation, like his standout, "Comedy Monster" or my old favorite, King Baby, a true classic. We laugh off his cancerous comment and return to a comfortable silence, enjoying the calm before the show.
I finish styling his hair also adding a shine control to the top of his head, and using a lint roller on his shirt. I ask if he needs anything else, to which he responds, "You're the professional, do I need anything else?" I assure him he looks great and is camera-ready, but based on our Zodiac banter, I feel I could offer a bit more. I suggest he try some Peppermint Oil on his palms, rub them together, and take a few deep breaths to possibly "reset his nervous system." He sarcastically expresses excitement about trying what one might call my "witchery." He rubs his palms and takes three deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling. Afterward, he remains silent with a soft smile, so I ask how he feels, grinning to keep our playful banter alive. He replies in his usual dull voice, "my nervous system is totally reset!" with a mix of monotone, excitement, and sarcasm. We laugh again, and I wish him a good set, sending him on his way.
Jim takes the stage, and I'm fortunate to have a front and center floor seat with the rest of the crew. He delivers a hilarious, sold-out show, and I spent the night laughing with all my Salt Lake City film crew friends. After the show, back in the green room, I offer to help Jim remove his makeup. He jokingly insists on keeping it on for the night, as if wearing light male makeup would make him sparkle at dinner. We laughed, shook hands, and went our separate ways. The film crew packed up, stepped out into the lightly snow-dusted streets, and headed home.
These types of real-life interactions enrich my career and passion immensely. These small moments of human connection bring joy to everyone involved. I later learned about Jim's wife Jeannie and her journey through the removal and recovery of her brain tumor. This occurred a couple of years before I met Jim, and I was unaware of the challenges he faced as a devoted husband and father. Their story is inspiring, particularly in their ability to find humor in difficult times, or as my friends and I refer to it, finding laughs in the "dark humor" of life.
Reflecting on the past three years since leaving an abusive marriage and enduring an equally challenging divorce, I now find humor and strength in the difficult moments. I recognize how blessed I was and continue to be, and I am humbled by the understanding that none of us truly know how to navigate life. The real essence lies in connecting with community, following our passions, finding the silver lining, maybe a laugh or two, and remembering a calm centered ground can always be found in nearly any situation.
Thanks Jim for being YOU.
Sincerely, Cami
Ps. If you're not familiar with Jim, check out my favorite bit where he talks about Marathon Runners. After claiming he completed the NYC Marathon, he takes it back and humorously discusses how absurd marathons are, teasingly asking participants if they won or lost. If you thought running was dull, just wait until you read about running in a Runners Magazine. He mocks the runner's high, suggesting we've actually mistaken exhaustion for it. Paying to run a marathon is likened to a Law and Order episode, with the starting gunshot also serving as a major warning sign. My favorite part is when he concludes by saying that if you think being a runner is ridiculous, the marathon spectators are even worse. ;)
What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing!
He’s the best! And so is Cami!