By Zoe Morrison, October 2019
Heather grew up in Turner Oregon and has worked many jobs. She worked for the State of Oregon in the Department of Education.
Eventually she left that job and signed up for classes: Tradeswomen and Women in Non-traditional roles. There she learned to read blueprints, designed a screwdriver, made the screwdriver, tempered metal and learned about electrical systems.
In the early 80’s she moved to California. A single parent, she worked at an agency as an employment counselor before changing jobs. Aside from being an office manager, she worked in human resources at several hospitals in California before settling into a job for a PRICECLUB, later rebranded as Costco. She worked at Costco from 1988 to 1993.
Starting in 1992, she began picking up work as an extra in movies and television to support herself. To justify the work she was doing, she told her mom she was able to “dress up and get paid for it.” Her mother said “That’s nice dear, have fun and be careful.”
During her stint as an extra, she met many people from the Star Trek series including Patrick Stewart. She had the opportunity to meet other celebrities including George Clooney, Sandra Bullock, Richard Gere, Annette Bening, Dennis Hopper, Kevin Costner, Johnny Depp and Christopher Walken.
When asked if she misses being an extra, she gets a twinkle in her eye. Then she begins to pull out photographs of cosplay costumes that she has worn and designed.
Heather loves to play dress up, and she is a commanding presence when in her finery.
Eventually in 2000, Heather returned to Oregon to take care of her parents. She took a job at WALMART, beginning with counter work, and eventually became a personnel manager until she retired in 2008.
Since retiring, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband Freddy and keeping home in California until 2018. Her husband transferred to Oregon and the couple recently moved back to Oregon where Heather was coaxed into joining the Center and volunteering by Nancy Grabow. She enjoys working as a receptionist at the Senior Center, liking the community, friends and purpose of the work.
Aside from setting up her new home, she’s looking forward to creating more costumes and is looking forward to tackling a new artistic activity.
Heather is one of those smiling faces who will greet you at the reception desk. She has a warm ready smile and an infectious sense of humor.
Ask her about her time in the movies or if she has any ideas for your Halloween costume!
Story by Zoe Morrison