The Chicago film community has lost an icon, and a dear friend. Costume Designer, Jay Hurley, died of a heart attack on July 16. He was 75 years old.
Jay began his film career in 1975 as a costumer on the Chicago-made film, Mahogany starring Diana Ross, who played a young aspiring costume designer “from the slums of Chicago.”
From there, Jay worked steadily as a costume designer in Chicago film and TV for almost 30 years. Jay and his husband and business partner, costumer Mickey Antonetti, worked as a team.
Jay’s dear friend, costumer Jennifer Jobst, who worked alongside Jay and Mickey for years, wrote a lovely tribute to Jay that we will share here:
Jay Hurley, 1949-2023. Jay Hurley, Chicago film crew pioneer. Jay Hurley, Costume Designer, Jay Hurley, an inspiration, Jay Hurley the on-set sharpest wit, and often the best looking, and always the best dressed. Jay Hurley a true friend.
Jay Hurley and Mickey Antonetti (husband and business partner) working in the wardrobe department at the opera, took the occasional film job that came through Chicago in the late 1970’s. From these first filming experiences, including Mahogany and Four Friends, Jay and Mickey began to build a resume and help shape an industry. Jay’s ability to dress characters to look their best even when the character’s best was a torn-up shirt and mud splattered pants, made him a favorite with the actors and directors. When dressing a contemporary character, inevitably the actor would turn to Jay and say “you know, I’d like to wear what you are wearing”
Jay and Mickey became the go-to costumers in Chicago, taking on new responsibilities, learning on the job and hiring local crew to cover the demands of the industry. Jay’s talents were recognized as he often worked closely with costume designers who gave him creative freedom and design responsibilities. In a time when department heads were often brought in from LA or New York, Jay was getting the reputation that he could handle the design job. He began taking over the design on projects, Code of Silence, Touch and Go and then breaking through and getting hired as the costume designer at a time when most top creative department heads were brought in from out of town, Vice Versa. One More Saturday Night, then in 1989 John Hughes hired Jay to design Home Alone, followed by Home Alone 2. Jay continued designing on several more projects with Director Chris Columbus, establishing himself, and Chicago, as a resource for a talented department head.
Jay and Mickey’s dedication to the business, led them to work closely with other inspired Chicago Industry leaders, including Johnny Crededio, Bobby Hudecek, Lucy Salenger, to provide services and equipment for the growing market, building a strong base for Chicago production work. Jay had a part in securing a future industry that continues to thrive.
Jay was a joy to work with, he shared a passion for the work and embraced a passion for life that has helped to shape me as well as so many others to be the best at our jobs, and to enjoy the work/process.
Jay’s generous and creative spirit will be missed.
Here’s Jay with Stella Cottini on the set of Rookie of the Year and in the crew photo from American Dream TV pilot and series, shared by Rick Lefevour.
A memorial service will be announced in the future.
Sign up for our free elert here and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
