Emmy nominated hairstylist Charles Gregory passed away from pneumonia related to COVID-19.
Director Tyler Perry shared the news on Facebook and Instagram on Thursday, April 9. He employed Gregory as a stylist on various TV and film projects.
Gregory also worked as a stylist on VH1’s hit show “Single Ladies”.
A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Mr. Gregory was inspired at an early age by his mother, who was also a cosmetologist and a salon owner.
He owned the Charles Gregory Salon, a full-service salon in Atlanta that specialized in Black hair and weave products.
Mr. Gregory served as Artistic Director and top educator for SoftSheen/Mizani from 1989-1994, He also was Artistic Director for Bronner Brothers And Nirobi Hair Products.
His impressive client list included actresses Halle Berry, Queen Latifah, Alfre Woodard, Regina Taylor, Raven Simone, actors Lou Gossett Jr, Danny Glover, Eric Lasalle, Laurence Fishburne, Blair Underwood, and many more.
Tyler Perry remembered his friend in a touching tribute on Facebook.com on Thursday:
“Dear Black People,
Today it’s with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of one of our crew members. Mr. Charles Gregory was a hairstylist that had worked with us for many years. The man was warm, loving and hilarious. We all loved to see him coming and hear his laughter. Charles lost his battle with COVID-19 today. It saddens me to think of him dying this way. My sincerest prayers are with his family.
While everyone can contract this virus it is black people who are dying from it in much larger numbers. This thing is real, black people.
I heard a black person say, “Black people don’t get it.” That is a lie! You can get it, and you will get it if we don’t do what we’re being told to do.
Black people, we are at a disproportionately higher risk of dying from this virus. Please, please, please, I beg you to take this seriously. You have to socially distance yourself. That means stop hanging out, stop congregating, stop doing anything that will put not only your life in danger but also the lives of so many others.
STAY HOME!! Socially distance yourself and stay alive! If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for someone you love, and for those who love you.
My Mother always told me to not wait for help! Be your own help!”
