Tragic Loss: Howard Stern Mourns the Death of Longtime Friend and Stylist Ralph Cirella
In a heart-wrenching announcement on his SiriusXM radio show, shock jock Howard Stern revealed the devastating loss of his longtime friend and stylist, Ralph Cirella. The news of Cirella's passing came as a shock to Stern and his fans, leaving them in a state of disbelief and mourning.
Posting a series of heartwarming pictures on the show's official Instagram account, Stern paid tribute to Cirella with a caption that read, "'It just seems impossible that he is gone.' Bye for now, Ralph." The emotional post reflected the deep bond and friendship shared between the two over the past four decades.
Cirella's death occurred on Tuesday morning, with Stern informing his listeners that his friend's "heart gave out" during a medical procedure he was undergoing as part of his battle against a “curable” form of “rare” lymphoma. This revelation left Stern feeling a mix of emotions, including anger and sadness, as he believed that Cirella had waited too long to seek treatment for his illness.
Expressing his grief over losing someone he loved, Stern admitted that he was not prepared for Cirella's untimely demise. The broadcaster's sorrow was palpable as he shared his feelings of deep sadness and anger at the loss of his dear friend. Stern also revealed that Cirella had neglected his own health, a fact that added to his frustration and heartache.
Cirella's impact on Stern's life and career was profound. The stylist was credited with encouraging Stern to attend a party where he would eventually meet his wife, Beth Ostrosky. Stern spoke fondly of the "secret language" he shared with Cirella and the deep connection they had. He even attributed the famous phrase, "Hey now," that opens every episode of his show to Cirella, who would repeat the line from "The Larry Sanders Show."
Cirella's journey with Stern began in 1985 when he called into Stern's WNBC radio show as a fan. This initial encounter led to Cirella being hired to create a unique penis puppet for Stern's New Year's Eve event. This opportunity paved the way for Cirella's role as a special effects artist on Stern's late-night variety show, the Channel 9 Show. Over the years, Cirella transitioned to various roles, including personal assistant, wardrobe consultant, and set designer for Stern.
The impact of Cirella's passing extends beyond Stern himself. Actor John Stamos, who met Cirella on the set of the Channel 9 Show, also expressed his grief over the loss of his "dear friend." In an Instagram tribute, Stamos recalled how Cirella's exceptional talent and creativity as a makeup artist had left a lasting impression on him. Stamos lamented the fact that Cirella's life was cut short and expressed his wishes for more time with his beloved friend.
The news of Ralph Cirella's death has left a void in Howard Stern's life and in the hearts of his listeners. The loss of a cherished friend and talented collaborator has deeply affected Stern, who continues to navigate the grieving process. As his fans offer their condolences and share their own memories of Cirella, Stern and those close to him will undoubtedly find solace in the enduring legacy of their beloved friend.
