James Cooper, makeup artist and hairstylist of local and international stars, passed away on May 29. He was 73 years old.

Reports said Cooper suffered a heart attack while preparing for a Santacruzan at the San Pablo Cathedral in Laguna. He was taken to the hospital but medical staff failed to revive him.

Cooper rose to fame in the 1970s after doing the makeup of Hollywood stars Farrah Fawcett-Majors, Victoria Principal and Jamie Lee Curtis, among others. He helped create the makeup and hairdo of Fawcett for the iconic poster of the hit television series “Charlie’s Angels.”

He returned to the Philippines in the 1980s and built his salon chain.

In one of his last major public events, James Cooper (center) received an award from Philippine Fashion Circle Awards on May 2. PHOTO BY J.GERARD SEGUIA

Locally, Cooper enjoyed success as well, creating the looks of top Filipina movie and television icons such as Maricel Soriano, Alice Dixson, Dawn Zulueta, Sharon Cuneta and Lorna Tolentino.

In an emotional Instagram post, Soriano paid tribute to the beauty expert.

“Thank you for the many years of love and friendship, and treating me like your own daughter. You have been a big part of who I am today and I am forever grateful. I love you my Mother Goose … Till we meet again,” she wrote.

Cooper was the first Filipino to create his own makeup line in the country. He is credited for introducing airbrush makeup to the Philippines.

Along with Jesi Mendez and the late Fanny Serrano, Cooper is considered as a leading figure in the local makeup industry.

Cooper’s family has yet to announce interment details.