What Happened to Ralph Cirella, Howard Stern's Make-Up Artist Friend?

What happened to Ralph Cirella: Ralph Cirella on The Howard Stern Show
Credit: Howard Stern


What happened to Ralph Cirella: Ralph Cirella on The Howard Stern Show
Credit: Howard Stern

Howard Stern has long been friends with Ralph Cirella, a stylist and frequent contributor to his radio show. So it was heartbreaking for Stern to be the one to break the news of his death. What happened to Ralph Cirella? How did Ralph Stern die?

Who is Ralph Cirella?

What happened to Ralph Cirella: Ralph Cirella on The Howard Stern Show
expand image
Credit: Howard Stern

Ralph Cirella was a make-up artist and stylist. He gained recognition in Hollywood as Howard Stern's stylist and consultant since the late 1980s.

Cirella was born in Connecticut and attended a private school before working as a radio host. While dabbling in acting, he pursued the cosmetics and costume profession. His IMDB page credits him in movies like Private Parts, Alien Space Avenger, and Welcome to the Max.

Although he became Stern's stylist in the late 1980s he also made on-screen appearances in 1990. After that, he proceeded to work on special effects and costumes. He even worked as a set designer for his good friend.

Cirella also made several appearances on The Howard Stern Show. And for a short time, he became the host of The Friday Show on Howard 100 radio.

Cirella was 58.

What Happened to Ralph Cirella? How Did He Die?

On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, Full House actor, John Stamos, announced Ralph Cirella's death on Instagram via a lengthy tribute.

Shortly after, Stern confirmed his friend's death on his radio show. Before Stern's confirmation, fans were hoping Stamos' account was simply hacked.

So what happened to Ralph Cirella and what caused his death? In his radio show, Stern shared that Cirella's heart "gave out" while undergoing a routine procedure on Tuesday morning. Prior to this, Cirella was being treated for a "rare lymphoma" that was supposed to be "curable and treatable."

In his show, Stern shared that he was "so sad and so angry" that his friend waited too long to get treated. Stern also said that Cirella "didn't take care of himself."

Despite this, Stern shared that he spoke with his friend the night before his passing. Stern was hopeful that he would live through the treatment.

"There was a lot of good times on the show with Ralph. I'm taking it very hard."

The radio host shared that "Ralph was a trustworthy, dear friend who made me laugh every time I was with him." He also said that Ralph loved him and that he was the reason he met his wife, Beth.

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Ralph Cirella. He will be missed.

Follow our Facebook page for more news coverage and other explainer articles. 

RELATED: Lance Reddick Real Cause of Death: John Wick Star Dead at 60

This Article's Topics

Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!

QueriesPop Culture