Broadway Hair Supervisor Sandy Schlender Passes Away at 43 Years Old

BroadwayWorld is saddened to learn that Broadway hair supervisor Sandy Schlender has passed away at the age of 43.

Sandra (Sandy) Lynn Schlender was born on March 8, 1972. She died unexpectedly at her home in Queens, New York on October 5, 2015. Sandy was born in Tacoma Washington and spent most of her young life on the coast of Oregon. She graduated from Gold Beach High School and went on to study Theatre Arts receiving a BA in English from Southern Oregon State College. She earned her Cosmetology license from the Aveda Institute and was a member of IATSE Local 798. Fearless and free spirited, Sandy's love for theater lead her to Los Angeles and ultimately to New York where she thrived as a hairstylist on Broadway and in television and film.
Sandy brought her skills, infectious laugh and warm personality to Broadway shows including Phantom of the Opera, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Little Mermaid, Mamma Mia! and Gigi. Her television experience included Saturday NightLive and Deadbeat.

Most recently, she studied wig making at The Wig Academy in England. She returned to NYC to use her craft working for Campbell Young and Associates.

Known for her generous heart and making people happy, Sandy gave her time to many BCEFA events, such as Broadway Bares, Gypsy of the Year, and Easter Bonnet. Always wanting the best for others, she was helpful in starting many young artist's careers.

She was an avid traveler and a voracious fan of music. One, of her many passions, was to travel the world hearing live music of all genres.

Sandy will always be remembered for her ability to find the humor in life,and her sunny spirit that lit up any room she entered. Youngest of 4 siblings, she is survived by parents, Maureen and Ed Schlender, Sisters Marie, Teresa and Diana, Niece Jessie Masica, Nephews Jake Masica and Nate Schlender, Brother-­in-­Laws Paul Masica and David Silverstein.

A Celebration of Life was held on October 21 st in New York City, attended by her loving family and an abundance of her devoted friends.