Celebrity Makeover Stylist Christopher Jon Hopkins Found Dead at 61

The late beloved stylist's loved ones, including his mother and niece, have spoken out about his demise, sharing tear-jerking words in online posts.

Many are mourning the tragic loss of talented celebrity makeover stylist Christopher Jon Hopkins, who passed away on November 22, 2025. Hopkins, known for his makeover talents that saw him make numerous national television appearances, died in Minneapolis. He was 61.

Devastating Death Rocks the Beauty Community

Hopkins was found unresponsive in the swimming pool of a luxury riverfront high-rise in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday night. Emergency responders arrived at the 33rd-floor pool of the Churchill Apartments on Marquette Avenue shortly after 10:20 p.m., according to his longtime husband of 37 years, Robert Lindquist.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office later released a statement noting that the duration he had been submerged in the water remains unknown.

Additionally, Lindquist, who dubbed his late husband "an amazing man" and beloved by many worldwide, shared that he is still awaiting the official report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office.

Confirmation of Hopkins' passing was also shared in a solemn statement posted to his official LinkedIn account. "His heart failed him on the eve of November 22nd, 2025," the post reads. "Christopher's creativity, authenticity, and passion inspired so many lives. Rest in peace, Christopher."

The message sparked an outpouring of grief in the comments, where longtime followers expressed disbelief and sorrow at the loss of a man many felt they knew personally through his work.

Shockwaves of Grief Echo as Makeover Icon's Mom and Niece Speak Out

Among the many people mourning Hopkins' passing is his mother, who shared an emotional message on social media just days after his death. In her touching post, she confirmed that his heart had failed, adding that the tragedy occurred "after a year of heart issues." Her words paint a vivid picture of the personal toll his absence leaves behind.

She described her son as having a "loving, compassionate heart," and expressed the depth of her sorrow not just as a mother, but as someone who had watched her son's spirit touch countless lives.

"The void left in the lives of his husband Robert, mother Joann, sister Michelle, other family, and many friends will never be filled," she wrote. "Rest In Peace, Dear Christopher."

The message resonated with hundreds online, many of whom offered condolences in the comments and reflected on how Hopkins' authenticity and kindness had left an imprint not only on his clients but also on those who followed his journey from afar.

In a moving tribute filled with beautiful family photos, Hopkins' niece, Joanna Elswick, reflected on his life — both as a world-renowned stylist and as the warm, playful man she knew simply as "Uncle Christopher."

While the world recognized him as "The Makeoverguy," Elswick's remembrance highlighted the multitude of talents that shaped his extraordinary legacy, from performing with the Philharmonic Orchestra to publishing his solo album, his TV appearances, and a book he released.

As Elswick described it, Hopkins had a lifelong mission, "to show women that age is simply a number" and that their "beauty continues to bloom no matter what that number says."

Through his work, she said, he helped women "renew their sense of beauty" — a process he famously called "The Power of Pretty." His approach to transformation was more than cosmetic; it was deeply personal and empowering, turning clients into the best versions of themselves.

"He was a true revolutionary and visionary and had such a radiant energy," Elswick wrote. "His makeovers can be seen all over the world and on his page Makeoverguy. He was truly an artist with such an amazing eye!"

But beyond the public accolades, Elswick shared deeply personal memories of her uncle — from the funny jokes they shared to his habit of using quirky Spanish phrases, and his special attention to her wedding day.

She recalled how he made sure her makeup and veil were just right in between photos, and how his heartfelt rendition of "Music of the Night" from "The Phantom of the Opera" left an unforgettable impression. "It is still my favorite to this day," she added, revealing how Hopkins' voice, presence, and love for music resonated far beyond the salon chair.

In closing, Elswick asked for prayers for their grieving family. "He was loved by many and will truly be missed," she expressed, before signing off with a promise only family can make, "Until next time UC, 'I'll be seeing you, in all the familiar places.'"

From Oprah Winfrey's Show to YouTube Stardom: A Career That Transformed Generations

Hopkins' professional journey saw him open his first salon under his own name in 1990. It didn't take long before his talent captured national attention. In 1996, he made his debut on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," returning in 1999 as a rising star in the world of makeovers.

His appearances elevated him to celebrity stylist status, earning him high-profile clients such as Hillary Clinton and actress Lauren Holly, who sought out his expertise for his signature ability to reveal the best in people — both inside and out.

Beyond television and salon work, Hopkins' reach extended well into the digital space and publishing world. In 2008, he authored "Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45."

In that same year, he appeared on the "Today" show with Kathie Lee Gifford to promote the release, offering viewers a glimpse into his empowering philosophy on beauty, age, and self-worth.

Years before the word, influencer, became a household term, Hopkins had already carved out a space online, connecting with audiences through his signature makeover videos. In 2017, he launched "Makeoverguy Appearance Studios," a video series that chronicled real-life makeovers with heartwarming before-and-after stories.

The project became a viral success, earning a devoted fan base and amassing nearly 580,000 followers on YouTube.

In a poignant detail, the channel's most recent makeover video was posted just two weeks prior to his passing — a reminder of how actively he remained engaged with his audience until the very end.

Hopkins also made a mark on the local beauty scene. He co-founded the reVamp! salon in Uptown Minneapolis. The salon served clients for years before closing its doors in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of style and self-renewal that mirrored Hopkins' personal mission.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Lindquist, Hopkins' mother, Elswick, Hopkins' sister, his entire family, loved ones, friends, community, and fans as they mourn such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their grief. RIP, dear Hopkins.