Cinema VinesAva Gillies, a 26‑year‑old British hair and makeup artist, died in a road collision in North Yorkshire on July 29. Police said she was driving a white Volkswagen Polo when it struck a black Audi A4 on a country lane near Wrelton at about 1:30 a.m., killing her instantly.
Gillies had built a rapid career in the film and television industry over the past five years, working on high‑profile projects such as Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster Barbie, Kenneth Branagh’s Oscar‑winning Belfast, Wonder Woman 1984, and the Netflix dramas Bridgerton, The Crown and Band of Spies. Her résumé also includes work on feature films, television dramas, commercials and short films, earning her recognition across the UK’s creative community.
In 2023, Gillies was selected for BAFTA Connect, a three‑year initiative that supports emerging screen‑industry professionals through networking, mentoring and career development. The accolade was highlighted by her family in a statement released through North Yorkshire Police, underscoring her growing influence in the makeup field.
Gillies’ family described her as a “beautiful daughter, sister and granddaughter” and praised her wit, charm, beauty, feisty confidence and many talents. They reflected on how she had packed her life with education, travel and professional success before turning 27, and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from colleagues and friends in the film industry.
Tributes have poured in from peers, friends and industry members, all mourning the loss of a talented creative whose career was rapidly gaining momentum. Her sudden death has left the film community shocked and grieving, as they remember her contributions to some of the most celebrated productions of the past decade.
