Wells, who also worked with Beyoncé and Halle Berry, died after a “long illness”
Makeup artist and changemaker in the beauty industry Reggie Wells has died Baltimore Banner.
On Jan. 9, a local publication revealed that Wells — who for 30 years worked with Oprah Winfrey, among other A-list stars such as Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Michelle Obama, Diahann Carroll and Halle Berry — died in Baltimore, his hometown city, “after [battling] long illness.” He was 76 years old.
Before becoming the makeup artist he was known for, Wells graduated from Baltimore City College and the Maryland Institute College of Art and became a city art teacher, according to Banner.
He took a chance in the mid-1970s and moved to New York, where he worked at makeup counters and eventually landed gigs in Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar and Essencepublication that formed part of his portfolio and where he did Winfrey’s make-up for its cover, by The Hollywood Reporter.
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From there he made his way into the world of celebrity art. Winfrey hired him as her full-time makeup artist in 1990 before she began working with her current makeup artist, Derrick Rutledge. He received five Daytime Emmy Award nominations for his work on The Oprah Winfrey Show and took home the win in 1995.
But Wells did more than just apply lipstick. Working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, especially black women, he often created his own foundation and foundation shades to match the skin tones of his clientele.
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He also introduced his expertise to his local community by providing makeovers to seniors living in retirement homes around Baltimore, revealing his brilliance in his 2000 book. Face Painting: African American Beauty Techniques from an Emmy Award-Winning Makeup Artist.
“What I learned from Oprah is why I’m doing this today,” he said in a 2017 interview. Baltimore Sun. “I do this for forgotten people or families. I take unknown mothers and grandmothers and give them an Oprah makeover.”
Reggie Wells.
Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty
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Wells is survived by his sisters, Priscilla Tingle, Patricia Banks and Orrie Wright, as well as his niece, Tasha Jackson.
“He was the life of the party. He was the one who, when he entered the room, was in awe. He could command a room,” Jackson said Banner. “He was a storyteller. You were so caught up in the things he said. It was amazing. It made you think you were there in the story. No one can match his ability to win you over.”
“He was always giving back, making sure everyone felt good about his appearance day in and day out.”
Wells’ death was also announced on his Instagram.
“In memory of Reggie Wells (1947 – 2024), a true pioneer in the world of makeup. His extraordinary talent has touched the faces of legends like Oprah, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Beyonce,” the post reads. . “As an artist who won 2 Emmy Awards and the author of the book ‘Face Painting: African American Beauty Techniques,’ Reggie not only decorated faces, but left an indelible mark on the beauty industry. He was a friend, a mentor and Mary – a source of inspiration who will we miss him dearly. May his legacy continue to shine through the countless memories he leaves behind.”
Several of Wells’ famous clients shared their memories of the makeup artist in the comments.
“Rest in peace Reggie!” wrote Kelly Rowland. “Thank you for the laugh, your Cheshire Cat smile and the wonderful stories!! Love always♥️🙏🏾♥️”
Rowland’s Destiny’s Child co-star Michelle Williams added: “THEE REGGIE WELLS!!!! That was my greeting every time I saw you! The first makeup artist to touch my face!! The first to honestly tell me to get rid of my mustache 1999! 😂 I have so many great memories of THEE REGGIE WELLS! I was truly humbled every time you touched my face! I was humbled every time we talked and laughed because I couldn’t believe I was being made up by a beauty legend!! You are forever loved Reggie !!!🤍🕊️”
Winfrey’s current makeup artist, Rutledge, commented: “Reggie, thank you so much for the love, support and encouragement you’ve given me over the years!!! I’ll NEVER forget you telling me I could rest easy knowing that OPRAH was in good hands when you saw my skills on Her!!! Rest well, godfather, because you really deserved your wings!!!🕊 I love you DEAR, DEAR FRIEND, you will be a LEGEND FOREVER!!!🙏🏼😢💜 🫂💔”
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Source: HIS Education