Wigging Out Over ‘The Americans’ — 6 Memorable Disguises From Seasons Past (PHOTOS)
Season 1
Like many of the show’s hairpieces, this jet-black one Elizabeth used to lure an informant has a nickname: “Joan Jett.” (Rhys is a fan of his “Fernando” from the pilot.)
Season 2
Makeup, hair and wardrobe collaborate for a total look. Here, “she looks like a bland bureaucrat — while brandishing a crowbar!” says costume designer Katie Irish.
Season 3
To help “find the darkness” in her character, Russell says, “they put Elizabeth in these little boy wigs that were a bit scary.” Wearing this, she watches a spy being incinerated!
Season 4
“They were fun sometimes,” Russell allows of her collection of hairdos and don’ts. This sophisticated coif aided Elizabeth in passing as a Mary Kay saleswoman.
Season 5
By the end of the penultimate round, which featured this seductive fashion-buyer alter ego, Russell had worn 40 disguises (some repeats) to Rhys’s 42.
Season 6
This dowdy, oh-so-’80s red perm—which transformed Elizabeth into a mousy night nurse—can surely take a place of honor on the list of wigs Russell calls “very ugly.”
What will you miss more about departing drama, The Americans: Soviet agents Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth (Keri Russell) — or the many, many wigs that aided them in their Cold War spy game?
Let’s bow our heads and remember a few favorites. Click through the gallery above!
The Americans, Series Finale, Wednesday, May 30, 10/9c, FX
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