Netflix’s new Western drama Ransom Canyon opens with more than just sweeping landscapes and tangled romances — it also carries a heartfelt dedication to Lori Romero, a key member of the show’s production team. Since its premiere on April 17, 2025, the series has taken Netflix by storm, quickly climbing to the #1 spot worldwide.
While critics have been divided — earning the show a 54% score on Rotten Tomatoes — audiences can’t seem to get enough of its blend of romance, murder mystery, and high-stakes adventure. Adapted from Jodi Thomas’ beloved eight-book saga, Ransom Canyon delivers everything from small-town secrets to shocking twists that left viewers desperate for more.
Though Netflix hasn’t yet confirmed a season 2, the season finale’s jaw-dropping cliffhanger promises plenty of stories left to tell. Sadly, if the show does return, it will have to do so without Lori Romero, whose behind-the-scenes contributions helped bring Ransom Canyon to life — making the on-screen tribute to her all the more poignant.
Lori Romero: The Beloved Hair & Makeup Artist Behind Ransom Canyon
Behind Netflix’s hit Western drama Ransom Canyon stood a team of passionate creators — and among them was Lori Romero, the show’s dedicated hair and makeup artist. Tragically, Romero passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy of artistry, kindness, and unforgettable laughter.
Born on August 10, 1963, in Albuquerque, New Mexico — the same city where much of Ransom Canyon was filmed — Lori began her Hollywood journey in 2016, earning her first credit as a makeup artist on the indie film Dead Billy. Over the years, her meticulous eye for detail and warmth on set made her an essential part of every production she joined.
According to her obituary, “Lori’s talent and specialization in high-quality makeup and hair helped build her career in the movie industry. Her film family was a very important part of her life.” Friends and colleagues remember her as someone with “the biggest heart” — always ready to help, always laughing, and making everyone around her feel like family.
A memorial service honoring Lori’s life was held on January 18, 2025, in her hometown of Albuquerque, where she was celebrated not just for her work, but for the joy she brought to everyone who knew her.
Lori Romero’s Impressive Career Beyond Ransom Canyon
Before joining Ransom Canyon, Lori Romero built an impressive résumé as a makeup and hair artist across both film and television. Her most notable work includes the star-studded comedy Just Getting Started (2017), featuring Morgan Freeman and Tommy Lee Jones, and Netflix’s acclaimed Western The Harder They Fall (2021). She also contributed her artistry to Tom Hanks’ Apple TV+ sci-fi drama Finch (2021) and the recent A24 psychological thriller Opus, starring Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich.
Many of Romero’s projects were filmed in her hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, a growing hub for Hollywood productions. Her final credited work will appear posthumously in Coyote vs. Acme (2026), marking the end of a career defined by craftsmanship, creativity, and care.
