Creating Star Trek DATA, Making Rocky, & other Backstage Secrets with Liz Taylor | Michael Westmore

WATCH how was Star Trek’s Data actually created? In this episode of the Celebrity Encounters Podcast, we sit down with legendary, Oscar-winning makeup artist Michael Westmore to get the inside story on designing Brent Spiner’s iconic look, working with Whoopi Goldberg, and his rare, lifelong friendship with Hollywood royalty Elizabeth Taylor.Go behind the makeup chair with the man who literally shaped the face of modern sci-fi. Michael Westmore reveals the fascinating trial-and-error process behind Data’s signature gold skin—including the colors they rejected (like bubblegum pink and gray!) and the secret powder mix he used to get that perfect android sheen.Michael also shares what it was really like working on the TNG set with Brent Spiner and Whoopi Goldberg (Guinan), gives us a peek into the Star Trek Cruise lifestyle, and opens up about his deep personal bond with the legendary Elizabeth Taylor. From the grueling prosthetics of Star Trek to the rugged looks of Rocky, Michael’s 30+ year career in creative services is unmatched.0:00 - Introduction to Michael Westmore 0:45 - The Audition: How Michael Got the Star Trek Job 1:40 - Creating DATA: Rejecting Pink & Gray for Gold Skin 3:15 - Working with Brent Spiner & The Yellow Contact Lenses 5:00 - Behind-the-Scenes Challenges: Special Effects & Meltdown Accidents 6:30 - What It Was Really Like Working with Whoopi Goldberg (Guinan) 7:45 - Classic Hollywood: Working with Elizabeth Taylor & Becoming True Friends 9:15 - Where Michael Finds Inspiration for New Alien Designs 10:30 - Wrap Up & How to Support the PodcastWANT TO BE A GUEST on Celebrity Encounters Podcast? IF YOU HAVE HAD a celebrity encounter (more than hello's or can I have your autograph) and want to be a guest on our podcast via zoom, email us: [email protected]#ElizabethTaylor#GeneRoddenberry#PatrickStewart#JonathanFrakes#WhoopiGoldberg#DavidLivingston#SammyDavisJr#JohnnyCarson#BrianDennehy#RobertMorse