Have you ever heard about Ann Belsky? If not, you’re not alone. Many people only know her as the wife of Ghostbusters star Rick Moranis. But Ann’s story is much deeper than that. She was a talented makeup and costume designer who had a big heart, a creative mind, and a quiet life that touched many, even after her passing.
In today’s article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about Ann Belsky. From her early life to her career in the entertainment industry, her marriage to Rick Moranis, and the sad reason her life was cut short. This is a gentle but powerful story that deserves to be remembered.
Ann Belsky Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ann Rachel Belsky |
| Also Known As | Ann Moranis |
| Birth Date | February 5, 1956 |
| Birthplace | Canada |
| Death Date | February 4, 1991 |
| Age at Death | 35 (1 day before birthday) |
| Cause of Death | Breast cancer (possibly liver cancer) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Profession | Makeup and Costume Designer |
| Spouse | Rick Moranis (m. 1986–1991) |
| Children | Mitchell Moranis, Rachel Moranis |
Ann Belsky’s Early Life in Canada
Ann Belsky was born on February 5, 1956, in Canada. Not much is known about her early years, but we do know that she grew up surrounded by creativity. Even though she stayed away from the spotlight, she found her passion in art and design. She chose a career that kept her behind the camera, but her work still helped shape many big shows and moments in TV history.
Ann seemed to enjoy a quiet life. She never chased fame. Instead, she let her work speak for itself. That’s something rare in the entertainment world, and it tells us a lot about the kind of person she was—calm, kind, and focused on her craft.
Ann Belsky’s Career in Makeup and Costume Design
Ann worked on some very well-known projects in the 1980s. According to IMDb, she did makeup for the TV special Death of a Salesman in 1985, where she worked with the famous actor Dustin Hoffman. Her skills were top-notch, and many in the industry respected her.
She also worked as a makeup artist for Late Night with David Letterman from 1982 to 1984. That was a huge deal at the time. In 1985, she joined the art team for the animated TV series Star Wars: Ewoks. And she even contributed to the popular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade TV special in 1984.
Ann wasn’t just any makeup artist—she was someone who quietly made big things happen behind the scenes. Her work brought characters to life, and that’s a powerful kind of storytelling.
How Ann Belsky Met Rick Moranis?
Ann and Rick Moranis met in the early 1980s, though the exact details are not public. Their love story wasn’t loud or full of headlines. It was private, gentle, and real. Maybe that’s why it lasted.
They understood each other. Ann was working behind the scenes in TV and movies, and Rick was becoming more famous by the day. But they didn’t let the fame get between them. They built something solid and simple, far away from the noise of Hollywood.
Doesn’t it feel refreshing to hear about a quiet love in a loud world?
Ann Belsky and Rick’s Life Together
In 1986, Ann and Rick got married. It was a private wedding with close friends and family. After that, they focused on building a family and enjoying their life together, away from red carpets and flashing cameras.
They had a strong bond. Rick was known for his comedy and acting, but he often spoke about how important his family was to him. Ann supported him while continuing her work in the background. They had a peaceful life, which is hard to find when you’re famous.
Their marriage only lasted about five years, but it left a deep mark on Rick’s life. What happened next changed everything.
Ann Belsky’s Two Children With Rick Moranis
Ann and Rick became parents to two children—Mitchell and Rachel. Mitchell was born in 1988, and Rachel followed in 1991. Ann loved being a mother, and the couple focused all their attention on giving their children a happy and normal life.
Even after Ann’s passing, Rick made it clear that his children were his top priority. He stepped away from acting just to raise them. That kind of dedication is rare and shows how strong their family bond really was.
Mitchell and Rachel grew up mostly away from the spotlight, but each of them followed creative paths of their own.
Mitchell Moranis
Mitchell Moranis, born in February 1988, is the older child. He’s dabbled in acting, music, writing, and comedy—but he doesn’t talk much to the media. Like his mother, Mitchell prefers to keep things quiet and personal.
There’s not a lot of public information about his work or daily life, and that seems to be exactly how he likes it. He didn’t choose fame like his father—he chose privacy, just like Ann did.
Sometimes, the most creative people are the ones you never hear about.
Rachel Belsky
Rachel Belsky was born in 1991, shortly before her mother Ann passed away. Even though she grew up without her mom, she followed a creative path that would have made Ann proud.
Rachel studied visual arts and art history at Brown University. Later, she attended Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. She didn’t chase fame, but she built a strong career in tech and design. Rachel is now the CEO of Stardust, a software company, and she also works with Rosedale Hospitality Partners, a real estate firm in New York.
Rachel is also an artist. According to her social media, she enjoys sketching and sharing her drawings online. Just like Ann Belsky, she uses creativity to make her mark quietly, without needing the spotlight.
The Illness That Changed Everything
In the late 1980s, Ann Belsky was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a painful and private battle. Some reports also mention liver cancer, but breast cancer is most commonly reported as the cause.
Ann stayed strong for her family. She didn’t make her illness public, and many people didn’t know she was sick. She kept going, focusing on her children and her work as long as she could. But in February 1991, just one day before her 35th birthday, Ann passed away.
It was a heartbreaking moment for Rick Moranis and their two small children. Their life was changed forever.
Ann Belsky’s Death and Its Impact on Rick Moranis
When Ann died, Rick Moranis was at the peak of his acting career. He had starred in big movies like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Ghostbusters. But after losing Ann, everything changed.
Rick didn’t make a big announcement. He just slowly stepped away from Hollywood to raise Mitchell and Rachel on his own. He became a full-time dad and didn’t return to acting for many years.
According to People, Rick said he has no regrets. He felt it was the right thing to do for his kids. Ann’s death taught him what really mattered—family, love, and being present.
The Ann Belsky Moranis School of Arts in Israel
Even after Ann’s death, her name continued to shine. Rick Moranis and Ann’s parents worked together to create something beautiful: The Ann Belsky Moranis School of Arts in Israel.
This school is part of Ohr Torah Stone, a group of modern Orthodox schools. It helps young students express themselves through art while also following regular education programs. The school offers drawing, painting, design, and other creative subjects.
It’s a special place where Ann’s love for the arts lives on. Students learn in her name, and her memory inspires future artists. Isn’t that a beautiful way to be remembered?
Final Thoughts
Even though Ann Belsky lived a short life, her legacy continues in many ways. She wasn’t famous like her husband, but she left behind a powerful story of love, family, and quiet strength.
Her children carry on her creativity. Her husband honored her by stepping away from fame to raise their kids. And a school in Israel carries her name and passion into the future.
In 2025, people are still searching “what happened to Ann Belsky” because her story feels real. It’s about love that lasts, even through heartbreak. It’s about choosing family over fame. And it’s about how one life—no matter how quiet—can make a big difference.
(FAQs)
What was the cause of Ann Belsky’s death?
Ann Belsky died from breast cancer in 1991. Some reports also mention she may have had liver cancer.
When did Ann Belsky pass away?
She died on February 4, 1991. It was just one day before her 35th birthday.
Did Ann Belsky have any children?
Yes, she had two children with Rick Moranis — a son named Mitchell and a daughter named Rachel.
What did Ann Belsky do for a living?
She worked as a makeup and costume designer in TV and film. Her work appeared in many popular shows.
Is there an obituary or tribute for Ann Belsky?
Yes, a school in Israel was named in her honor. It keeps her love for the arts alive to this day.
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