Hey there! Ever wondered about the people who create movie magic from behind the scenes? Today we’re diving into the fascinating life of Joanne Cervelli, the makeup genius who transformed actors into unforgettable characters while sharing her life with tough-guy actor William Smith.
Quick Bio Table: Joanne Cervelli
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Joanne Cervelli Smith |
| Profession | Hollywood Makeup Artist, Published Author |
| Career Span | Early 1990s – 2014 (documented) |
| Major Works | “American Me” (1992), “Due South” (TV Series), “House on Haunted Hill”, “Cybernator” (1991), “Island of Witches” (2014) |
| Total Productions | Over 50 feature films and television shows |
| Spouse | William Smith (Actor) |
| Marriage | 1989 or 2002 (sources differ) until 2021 |
| Children | Sherri Anne Cervelli (born April 24, 1980) |
| Known For | Character transformation makeup, aging effects, period-appropriate designs |
| Professional Collaborations | Worked with husband William Smith on “American Me” (1992) |
| Published Works | Confirmed as author, specific titles not widely documented |
| Current Status | Private life following William Smith’s passing in 2021 |
| Legacy | Significant contributor to visual storytelling in film and television from 1980s-2010s |
Joanne Cervelli: The Woman Behind the Magic
Did you know some of Hollywood’s most memorable character transformations came from Joanne Cervelli’s talented hands? While her husband William Smith commanded attention on screen, Joanne worked her own kind of magic with makeup brushes and creative vision.
I’ve always been fascinated by artists who choose to stay out of the spotlight. Joanne kept such a low profile that even serious film buffs might not recognize her name, despite her massive contribution to the industry.
Joanne Cervelli Professional Career
Joanne Cervelli built an impressive career as a Hollywood makeup artist with credits on over 50 feature films and television productions. From prison dramas to sci-fi adventures, her makeup skills brought characters to life across completely different worlds. (IMDb.com)
One of her standout projects was “American Me” (1992), directed by Edward James Olmos. The characters age over decades, and that natural aging was all Joanne’s handiwork – no easy task before today’s digital effects!
Her TV work included the CBS hit “Due South”, which gained a devoted following. She also worked on horror projects like “House on Haunted Hill” and films including “Island of Witches” (2014), “Cybernator” (1991), and “Champagne and Bullets” (1993). (IMDb)
Want to know a secret about makeup artists at Joanne’s level? They don’t just make people look pretty – they study anatomy, art history, cultural styles, and even chemistry to understand how products interact with skin under hot camera lights.
Published Writing
Here’s something that surprised me – Joanne Cervelli wasn’t just a makeup artist but also a published author! While researching, I found mentions of her written work but frustratingly few specifics.
I imagine her works might include behind-the-scenes industry insights, makeup technique guides, or perhaps personal stories about working with famous actors. The mystery makes me wonder what other talents Joanne had that stayed outside the public eye.
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Joanne Cervelli Personal Life
I’m a sucker for a good Hollywood love story, especially one that beats the odds! Joanne Cervelli and William Smith had one of those rare, enduring relationships in an industry known for quick marriages. (Whosdatedwho)
Their daughter Sherri Anne Cervelli was born on April 24, 1980 (IMDb), which tells us their relationship began well before they officially tied the knot. Some sources say they married in 1989, others claim 2002 – but they definitely stayed together until William’s passing in 2021. (Wikipedia)
Marriage to William Smith
The partnership between Joanne Cervelli and William Smith gives us a glimpse into a different kind of Hollywood couple – one built on mutual respect and shared industry understanding.
William Smith was born on March 24, 1933, in Columbia, Missouri and became famous for playing tough guys and villains. With impressive 18¼-inch biceps and martial arts training from experts like Ed Parker and Jimmy Woo, he was perfect for action roles.
But there was way more to him than muscles! Smith was fluent in Russian, German, French, and Serbo-Croatian, which helped him serve in United States Air Force intelligence during the Korean War. He was also a champion discus thrower at UCLA! (FamousBirthdays)
In a recent interview on “Splat From The Past,” Joanne revealed she met William in 1990 on a movie set where she worked as a makeup artist. It was “love at first sight” during their 30+ year relationship. William began as a child actor during the Depression after his family lost their Missouri cattle ranch. Known for his impressive physique, he did 1,000 sit-ups daily and once completed 5,100 sit-ups in five hours. Joanne shared stories about William working with Gene Wilder (“one of the nicest men”) and Clint Eastwood (“perfect to work with”), while finding Zsa Zsa Gabor difficult.
This is just a summary of the 42-minute podcast interview. Watch the full conversation here:
Family
Even Hollywood makeup artists and action stars deal with ordinary family stuff. For Joanne and William, family centered around their daughter Sherri Anne Cervelli, born during a particularly busy time in William’s career.
William also had a son (William Emmett Smith III) from his previous marriage to Michele Smith, making theirs a blended family – something many of us can relate to (IMDb). What strikes me about Joanne’s approach to family life is how she maintained privacy in an industry that often puts everything on display.
Joanne Cervelli Life with William Smith
Let me tell you something about William Smith that casual movie fans might not know – behind that tough-guy screen presence was an incredibly smart, cultured man. And standing beside this renaissance man? Joanne Cervelli.
The couple shared a unique perspective on Hollywood – both working in the industry but from completely different angles. William in front of the camera, Joanne behind it. This gave them insights into filmmaking that few couples share.
Supporting a Hollywood Career
Supporting a partner with such a visible career isn’t always easy. While William was filming iconic scenes, Joanne Cervelli was balancing her own career with being his rock at home.
His impressive acting resume includes playing Conan’s father in “Conan the Barbarian” (1982), roles in “Rumble Fish” (1983), “Red Dawn” (1984), and his final film appearance as a bar patron in Jon Stewart’s “Irresistible” (2020). (Wikipedia)
Their marriage spanned massive changes in filmmaking. When they first got together, makeup artists like Joanne still used primarily traditional techniques. By the end of William’s career, CGI and digital effects had transformed both their professions.
Professional Collaboration
Not many couples can say they worked together professionally, but Joanne Cervelli and William Smith occasionally did just that! Their work together included “American Me“ (1992), where Joanne did makeup while William appeared in the film.
For some couples, working together would spell disaster, but for Joanne and William, it seems to have strengthened their connection. Their professional respect for each other’s craft likely formed a strong foundation for their personal relationship.
Final Years
The closing chapter of William and Joanne’s story is touched with both sadness and beauty. William Smith passed away on July 5, 2021, at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Los Angeles, California. He was 88 years old. (HollywoodReporter & NYPost)
He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease – a cruel twist for a man whose mind had once mastered multiple languages. Through this difficult time, Joanne Cervelli remained by his side as his devoted wife.
Joanne Cervelli Legacy and Current Status
If you’re wondering what Joanne Cervelli is doing today, you’re not alone! True to form, she’s kept a low profile since William’s passing in 2021, and public information about her current activities is limited.
What we do know is that she created an impressive body of work that continues to inspire film enthusiasts and makeup artists. Her contributions to productions like “American Me” and “Due South” remain part of television and film history.
The financial security she likely enjoys comes partly from William Smith’s reported $7 million net worth at the time of his death. This presumably allows her to choose how active she wants to remain professionally. (Famousnetworth.org)
Interesting Facts
- Worked with husband William Smith on several productions
- Maintained a private profile despite Hollywood connections
- Career spanned traditional makeup techniques through the digital effects era
- One of the few makeup artists from her era also recognized for published writing
- You can follow Joanne Cervelli on his Instagram
Conclusion
Joanne Cervelli’s story reminds us that some of the most important contributions to our favorite films happen far from the spotlight. While audiences cheered for William Smith’s memorable characters, Joanne was creating the visual magic that made those stories believable.
Their partnership – both personal and occasionally professional – shows us a different kind of Hollywood story, one about lasting commitment rather than fleeting fame. Which parts of her story resonated most with you?
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FAQ’s
When did Joanne Cervelli and William Smith get married?
While sources differ (some say 1989, others 2002), they were together until William’s death in 2021, making their relationship one of Hollywood’s more enduring unions.
What are Joanne Cervelli’s most famous makeup artistry projects?
Her most acclaimed work includes “American Me” (1992), the CBS series “Due South,” and horror film “House on Haunted Hill.”
Does Joanne Cervelli have children?
Yes, she has a daughter named Sherri Anne Cervelli, born April 24, 1980.
What kind of books did Joanne Cervelli write?
While she’s recognized as a published author, specific details about her written works remain hard to find—making this an intriguing mystery about her career.
Is Joanne Cervelli still working in the film industry?
As of 2025, there’s no public information about recent professional activities. Her last known film credit was “Island of Witches” in 2014.
What was the cause of William Smith’s death?
William Smith passed away on July 5, 2021, at age 88. While Joanne didn’t publicly disclose the cause, later reports indicated he suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease.
Did Joanne Cervelli win any awards for her makeup work?
Public records don’t show specific awards, though her work on critically acclaimed projects speaks to her professional respect in the industry.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article about Joanne Cervelli Smith and William Smith has been compiled from various public sources including IMDb, Wikipedia, interviews, and other online resources. If you have corrections, clarifications, or additional information please contact us through our website.
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