Oprah Winfrey's Former Makeup Artist, Reggie Wells, Dead at 76

Wells, who also worked with Beyoncé and Halle Berry, died after battling a “long illness”

Makeup artist and beauty industry change-maker Reggie Wells has died, according to The Baltimore Banner.

On Jan. 9, the local publication revealed that Wells — who worked with Oprah Winfrey for 30 years, among other A-list stars such as Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Michelle Obama, Diahann Carroll and Halle Berry — died in Baltimore, his hometown, “after [battling] a long illness." He was 76.

Before becoming the makeup artist he was known to be, Wells graduated from Baltimore City College and Maryland Institute College of Art and became a city art teacher, according to the Banner.

He took a chance in the mid-1970s and moved to New York City, where he worked at makeup counters and eventually landed gigs at Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar and Essence, the publication that made up a chunk of his portfolio and where he did Winfrey’s makeup for her cover, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Related: Oprah Winfrey Is a Bombshell in Body-Con Gown at 2024 Golden Globes (Yes, of Course She's Wearing Purple!)

From there, he worked his way up into the world of celebrity artistry. Winfrey hired him as her full-time makeup artist in 1990 before working with her current makeup artist, Derrick Rutledge. He earned five Daytime Emmy Award nominations for his work on The Oprah Winfrey Show and took home a win in 1995.

But Wells did more than simply apply lipstick. Working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, especially Black women, he often created his own foundation and powder shades to match the skin tones of his clientele.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

He also introduced his expertise to his local community by providing makeovers for seniors living in retirement homes around Baltimore, and he revealed 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 am doing this today,” he said in a 2017 interview for The Baltimore Sun. “I’m doing this for the forgotten people of families. I’m taking unknown mothers and grandmothers and giving them the type of makeovers that Oprah would give.”

Related: Legendary Celebrity Hairstylist John Barrett Dead at 66: ‘Rest in Peace Our Dear Friend’

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 that, when he walked in the room, everyone was in awe. He could command the room,” Jackson told the Banner.  “He was a storyteller. You were so drawn into the things he said. It was captivating. It allowed you to think you were there at the story. No one could compare to his ability to captivate you.”

“He was always giving back, making sure that everyone felt good about their appearance on a day-to-day basis."

Wells' death was also announced on his Instagram.

"In loving memory of Reggie Wells (1947 - 2024), a true pioneer in the world of makeup artistry. His remarkable talent touched the faces of legends like Oprah, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Beyonce," the post read. "As a 2X Emmy Award-winning artist and author of 'Face Painting: African American Beauty Techniques,' Reggie not only adorned faces but left an indelible mark on the beauty industry. To us, he was a friend, a mentor, and Mary – a source of inspiration that will be dearly missed. 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!" Kelly Rowland wrote. "Thank you for the laughs, your Cheshire Cat smile, and wonderful stories!! Love Always♥️🙏🏾♥️"

Rowland's fellow Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams added, "THEE REGGIE WELLS!!!! That was my greeting to you 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 in 1999! 😂 I have so many fond memories of THEE REGGIE WELLS! I was truly humbled every time you touched my face! Humbled every time we talked and laughed because I couldn’t believe a legend in beauty was doing my makeup!! You are forever loved Reggie!!!🤍🕊️"

Winfrey's current makeup artist, Rutledge, commented, "Reggie, Thank You so much for the Love, Support, and Encouragement You gave me over the Years!!! I'll NEVER Forget you telling me You Could rest Well knowing that OPRAH was in Good hands once you saw my Artistry on Her!!! Rest Well Godfather, for You have Truly Deserved your Wings!!!🕊 I Love You My DEAR, DEAR FRIEND, You'll FOREVER Be a LEGEND!!!🙏🏼😢💜🫂💔"

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.