Gratitude award Recipient: Stephen Chudej

Stephen Chudej was born in Ennis, Texas and graduated from North Texas State University. Through somewhat of a “mistake”, he wound up on the film set of Places In the Heart, costumed designed by the legendary Designer Ann Roth. He has not regretted a moment since.

Over the following years, Stephen honed his craft designing a few memorable projects and a ton of stinkers. Stephen was awarded the 1989 Prime-time Emmy Award for his contribution to the television film, Pancho Barnes. He shares that award with WIFD member Janet Lawler.

In the 90's, he picked up two Daytime Emmy-Awards for his work on the outstanding children's PBS series, Wishbone. Wishbone was produced by WIFD founding member Betty Buckley.

Stephen no longer actively works on film projects. Rather he runs the rental house he founded, San Marcos Costume Company, in his retirement.