Sad news out of the beauty world.
John Frieda, the legendary British hairstylist who worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and built a massive haircare empire, has died at 75.
According to People, the sad news was announced on Tuesday through the official Instagram account of Frieda’s salon. The announcement revealed that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
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The salon’s staff remembered Frieda as a beloved mentor and an enormously influential figure in the beauty industry. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed. However, the account wrote:
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our dear John passed away peacefully … surrounded by his family. John was more than a mentor to us; he was a true icon of the hair industry. He was the person who taught us everything, believed in us, and made us better. His talent and passion touched so many, and his legacy will live on in every single one of us. We will continue to do him proud. Our thoughts are with John’s family and everyone who loved him. Rest in peace, John. You will be forever in our hearts.”
His stepdaughter, Asia Agnelli Lagrange, also confirmed his death on Tuesday by writing:
“Sadly, my J has passed away. Today we lost the best man to ever exist. I share this because I know he touched the lives of so many.”
So sad.
But he indeed did touch the lives of so many during his long career! Long before his name appeared on millions of bottles of shampoo and conditioner, Frieda was styling some of the most famous people on the planet. His celebrity clientele included Princess Diana, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman, and Naomi Watts. He also created the famous “Purdey” haircut worn by Joanna Lumley on the British television series The New Avengers back in 1976.
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But Frieda wasn’t content with simply being a celebrity hairstylist. In 1988, he teamed up with business executive Gail Federici to launch his own haircare business, introducing the enormously popular Frizz-Ease line. A decade later, the pair debuted Sheer Blonde. Those products helped turn his name into a household brand. And in 2002, Frieda sold his haircare company to Japanese conglomerate Kao for a staggering $450 MILLION!!!
Even after that, he retained ownership of five salons in London, New York, and Los Angeles.
As for his personal life, Frieda was previously married to British singer Lulu, with whom he shared a son, Jordan. He later married Frances Avery Agnelli in 2019, and the couple welcomed two children together, including Asia.
Now, Frieda is survived by his wife, four children, and two grandchildren. What an extraordinary legacy he leaves behind. Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace — what an incredible hair icon who lived a singular life and had an incredible career.
[Image via YouTube]