Costume Designer Michelle Thompson, 40, Dies After Battle With Cancer
Michelle Thompson, a gifted costume designer and stylist known for her keen eye and distinctive style, passed away on Monday after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was 40.
Thompson’s talent graced a wide range of projects, including the acclaimed films “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” “Jungleland,” and “The President’s Sun.” Her diverse portfolio also included work on television shows like “Threads,” “Cruel Summer,” and “Tales of Titans.” Beyond her accomplishments in film and television, she lent her expertise to numerous music videos, including Childish Gambino’s “Sober” and Pierce the Veil’s “Bulls in the Bronx,” showcasing her versatility across various platforms.
Her husband, Cosimo Galluzzi, revealed Thompson’s passing through a heartfelt post on Instagram, sharing the devastating loss with both grace and love. The family asked for privacy during this difficult time as they navigated this life-altering event.
Thompson’s creative spirit wasn’t confined to film and television. She was a true artist, extending her talents to collaborations with renowned brands such as Apple, Hennessy, The Venetian, and Indeed, further illustrating the wide range and impact of her work.
Award-winning filmmaker Max Winkler, who collaborated with Thompson on “Jungleland” and “Flower,” shared a poignant tribute, describing her remarkable spirit and dedication.
“Michelle’s work seemed so effortless and yet I’m unable to think of anyone who worked harder,” Winkler said. “No one stayed later, went to more thrift stores, garage sales, crossed state lines to go to more swap meets looking for the perfect piece of clothing that would help an actor totally unlock their character. A jacket, a pair of sunglasses, a perfect tank top, a worn pair of Asics. Michelle’s taste was unmatched. She was just inherently cool.”
He continued, “Although at first quiet and always private, her sense of humor was both sophisticated and goofy. She simply observed everything even without saying it out loud and then would put that into her storytelling.
“Michelle was a pure artist and a deeply good human being with a tremendous heart. None of this is fair. Today, I’m struggling to find meaning in any of it. I do know she was very proud of her work and I’m certain it will stand the test of time, however there was nothing more important to her and her legacy than her husband Cosimo and their beautiful son Sasha who Michelle’s incredible spirit and light will continue to live on through.”
Thompson is survived by her husband, Cosimo Galluzzi and their young son, Sasha.
