WARNING: This article mentions death, so reader discretion is advised.Albert Wolski, the Oscar-winning costume designer behind All That Jazz, Bugsy and Grease, has died at the age of 95.
The French-born designer has created some of Hollywood’s most iconic screen looks over five decades, from the world of Bob Fosse’s show business to Olivia Newton-John’s final black outfit in “Grease.”
His work moved between Broadway, musicals, dramas, thrillers, and modern studio films with rare ease.
Albert Wolski dies at the age of 95
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Wolski died on Saturday, May 23, at his home in Los Angeles. His death was also confirmed by friends, colleagues and industry fans, according to TheWrap.
He is remembered as one of the most respected costume designers in film and theater.Wolsky won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for Bob Fosse’s “All That Jazz,” and later won again for Warren Beatty’s “Bugsy.” He also received Academy Award nominations for films such as “Sophie’s Choice,” “The Journey of Natty Gann,” “Toys,” “Across the Universe,” and “Revolutionary Road.”The Hollywood Reporter noted that Wolski “made hearts race” when he dressed Olivia Newton-John in “those body-hugging black sharkskin pants” for “Grease.”
This look became one of the most famous fashion moments in the 1978 musical, which also starred John Travolta.
The films of Albert Wolski and the Oscar legacy
Wolski was born in Paris in 1930. His family fled France during World War II to escape Nazi occupation. He later studied at the City College of New York and served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956, spending most of that time in Japan.After his military service, Wolski worked at his father’s travel agency before turning to fashion design.
He later assisted Broadway costume maker Helen Pons and worked in the original Broadway production of “Camelot.” He then built his own theatrical career before moving to cinema.His early screen credits included “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter,” “Harry and Tonto,” “The Gambler,” “Lenny,” “An Unmarried Woman,” “Manhattan,” and “Grease.” He also designed costumes for “You’ve Got Mail,” “Galaxy Quest,” “Road to Perdition,” “Jarhead,” “Birdman,” “Ad Astra,” “The Woman in the Window,” and “Amsterdam.”Wolski served four terms on the Academy’s Board of Governors and received major professional honors from the Fashion Designers Guild. His long-time co-star, All My Children actor James Mitchell, died in 2010.
