Celebrity Hairstylist Jeffrey Woodley Dies, Leaving Legacy of Iconic Looks

Jeffrey Alan Woodley has died at age 71. The renowned celebrity hairstylist passed away on December 10 in New York. His career spanned decades styling Hollywood‘s biggest stars. He created iconic looks for figures from Halle Berry to Denzel Washington.

He died from complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a family spokesperson confirmed his passing. Woodley was a fixture behind the scenes, shaping beauty standards for a generation.

A Career Built on Precision and Trust

Woodley’s client list reads like a who’s who of entertainment. He worked with Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Angela Bassett. His skills were also trusted by leading men like Eddie Murphy. His work appeared in major magazines and global ad campaigns.

He was represented by the prestigious agency Zoli Illusions for years. Makeup artist Reggie Wells praised Woodley’s genuine character. Wells described him as having “a heart like velvet stretched over steel.”

Overcoming Adversity with Grace and Resilience

Later in life, Woodley faced significant personal challenges. He experienced vision loss due to glaucoma. Despite this, he pursued further education and deepened his spiritual studies. He remained an active member of his Harlem church community.

His early life in Philadelphia was athletic. He was a competitive runner coached by his father. This discipline carried into his meticulous craft as a stylist. His legacy is one of artistry, resilience, and quiet influence.

The beauty industry mourns the loss of a true artist. Jeffrey Woodley’s hands crafted some of the most memorable celebrity hairstyles in modern history. His quiet influence will be felt for years to come.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who were some of Jeffrey Woodley’s most famous clients?

He styled a vast array of stars. His chair included Halle Berry, Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington, and Aretha Franklin. He also worked with Pam Grier, Angela Bassett, and Eddie Murphy regularly.

What caused Jeffrey Woodley’s death?

He died from complications related to acute respiratory distress syndrome. His passing occurred at Mount Sinai West hospital in New York. A family spokesperson provided this information to The Hollywood Reporter.

Where did Woodley’s career begin?

He started in Philadelphia after beauty school. His big break came at a department store salon. Mentor Walter Fontaine then helped him launch his New York career.

Did he work on any major publications?

Yes, his hairstyling work was featured widely. He was published in GQ, Essence, Vibe, and Italian Vogue. He also worked on major advertising campaigns for brands like L’Oréal.

How is his family honoring his memory?

A celebration of life is scheduled in Philadelphia. Donations can be made to Abyssinian Baptist Church or a university fund. The fund is named for his mother, Anna E. Woodley.