Michele Poulik, EMMY-nominated Set Decorator for numerous motion pictures and many television series, died on Tuesday, August 2, 2021, at her home in Los Angeles.
Michele is survived by her sister, Janet (Brother-in-law, Bruce Babiarz and countless friends) and pre-deceased by her parents, Emily and Dr. David Poulik.
Michele ended her long battle with cancer surrounded by Janet, friends and her beloved dogs, Daisy and LuLa.
She was born in Toronto, Canada and then the family emigrated to the Detroit area and settled in the Grosse Pointes. Michele attended high school in Spain and Grosse Pointe North, spending time in Europe during summer vacations, which began her life-long love of travel, art and other cultures. She graduated from Wayne State University with a Fine Arts degree. Shortly after, she began her film career writing and producing the independent film “Singing Birds”, which premiered at the Detroit Institute of Arts. She then worked on the Detroit locations for the movie “Presumed Innocent” before heading west to Los Angeles, with a contingent of Detroiters seeking success in the Film & Television industry.
Michele worked on many notable films including “Army of Darkness,” “Hard Target” and “Joe Somebody”. Her work on the acclaimed HBO mini-series “Earth To The Moon” garnered her an Emmy nomination for her re-creations of the Apollo moon missions. She was the original Set Decorator of “The Shield” television series, and many others, and also for 280 episodes of the “NCIS-Los Angeles” franchise.
“She was amazingly creative and worked tirelessly on every set she worked on,” said her sister Janet, “I will miss her zeal for life and all things beautiful.”
Michele lovingly helped care for her elderly parents at their home in Panama City, FL and later moved her mother, Emily, into her Los Angeles home until her passing last year. Michele was a fixture in the Film & Television industry, well-respected by producers and actors for the creativity, work ethic, and spirit she brought to all her projects; and beloved by her peers and industry insiders, for her generosity, knowledge and humor.
A longtime member of the Set Decorators Society of America, Michele served on the SDSA Board of Directors, was active on key committees for over two decades and was a positive influence throughout. Her work was profiled several times in SETDECOR magazine, including an early compendium showcasing the range of her work. She consistently brought an extra sense of style to any project and a sense of delight to anyone working with her.
She will be greatly missed by family & friends alike. Memorial arrangements to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Charitable Operations and Services of the Motion Picture Fund. The SDSA has made a contribution in her name. You, too, can contribute in Michele’s memory: mptf.com/tributegift
