Makeup Artist Had Role in First Televised Presidential Debate

Makeup artist Lillian Brown always carried a pair of men's over-the-calf socks in her kit so her clients would never have to show a bare leg to a television audience. She also made sure men's ties were a plain, camera-friendly design.

These are examples of attention to detail that made her the leading cosmetologist of political and media figures, including the two candidates in the nation's first televised presidential debate.

The 96-year-old makeup artist "touched the faces" of nine U.S. presidents from Eisenhower to Clinton and many other notables. She told her story to a Press Club audience Oct 7, the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy-Nixon debate.

During a 20-year-stint as the makeup artist for "Face the Nation," Brown got to know most political and many media figures. Her beginning pay at CBS was $19 per session.

She is best known for her role in the 1960 presidential debate. Sen. John F. Kennedy, the Democratic nominee, relished the idea of becoming the first TV president and gladly accepted Brown's makeup assistance. But Vice President Richard Nixon, the Republican standard-bearer, refused makeup. The next day Kennedy was deemed the winner of the debate by people who watched on TV, which was becoming a more important medium. The difference, many believed, was that makeup gave Kennedy a more robust appearance.

Subsequently, Nixon embraced makeup preparation. Even earlier Brown had prepared President Eisenhower for a TV appearance.

While she said she had a file on every president on her client list, she emphatically said she would "never betray a confidence." Brown never used heavy doses of rouge or eye makeup, preferring a simple dusting of powder on the nose and forehead.

Brown was interviewed by NPC Silver Owl Larry Quinn. The event was sponsored by the Broadcast and the History and Heritage committees.

-- Bill Hickman, [email protected]