Renee Zellweger’s Makeup Artist Praises ‘Bridget Jones’ Star’s Brave Face Against Criticism

Top makeup supervisor calls Zellweger “stunningly beautiful” as she prepares to emerge from six-year acting hiatus

It’s been roughly a year since Renee Zellweger provoked — and then silenced– internet outcry over notable changes to her appearance. As the Oscar winner prepares to release three movies in 2016 after a six-year acting hiatus, one of her top collaborators is speaking out about how she’s putting her face forward.

Jan Sewell, a BAFTA-nominated makeup artist, is currently serving as makeup supervisor on “Bridget Jones’ Baby,” the anticipated third film in Zellweger’s iconic British rom-com series.

As the hand that oversees Zellweger’s famous mug in the trailer every morning, Sewell said the star is as empowered as ever.

“She comes in and kisses everybody good morning, and is totally the power behind [Bridget Jones].  She’s stunningly beautiful,” Sewell said Friday during an interview for an upcoming issue of TheWrap magazine.

“I think people were a bit mean to her and I don’t know why, because she is the most lovely lady…  she’s very loyal to Bridget. She’s always portrayed her as someone [who says] ‘You don’t have to be perfect.  If you’re a little bit overweight? That’s cool.’ She’s very keen that so many people will be able to identify with her. She’s brilliant to work with,” Sewell said.

In October 2014, a red carpet appearance from Zellweger sent fashion magazines and celeb blogs into a frenzy of comparing her then-appearance to her younger days. When the online mob wouldn’t let up, Zellweger issues a clever statement shutting the voices out.

“I’m glad folks think I look different! I’m living a different, happy, more fulfilling life, and I’m thrilled that perhaps it shows,” she said at the time. “My friends say that I look peaceful. I am healthy.”

Zellweger’s last major movie was the 2010 low-budget thriller “Case 39,” in which she starred with Bradley Cooper. Next year, she’ll release “The Whole Truth” with Keanu Reeves and the religious drama ‘Same Kind of Different as Me.”

“Bridget Jones’ Baby,” which reunites Zellweger with Colin Firth, wraps production this Christmas and will hit theaters September 16, 2016.

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