Kenneth Battelle, one of the most famous hairstylists in the world, who worked with stars like Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy, died at the age of 86 in New York on May 12. So sad.
Some of the most influential and famous women in the world like Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Joan Rivers, Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy all relied on one man to do their hair and make them feel beautiful — Kenneth. Although his full name was Kenneth Battelle, he was known as just Kenneth to his legions of fans. He died in his home in Wappingers Falls, New York, on May 12, according to The New York Times.
Kenneth Battelle Dead — Hairdresser To The Stars Dies At Age 86
In 1961, Vogue magazine said “almost every famous female head in the world has gone or will go” to see Kenneth and his magic hands. According to The New York Times, Lucille Ball referred to him as “God." He loved the romantic look of hair, and used rollers to create pretty waves.
Jackie Kennedy frequently visited Kenneth’s New York City salon on Fifth Avenue, “where she was always ushered into a private area and treated,” another salon regular tells PEOPLE magazine.
Kenneth was born in Syracuse, New York on April 19, 1927. Against his mother’s will, he went to beauty school. In 1950, he moved to New York with $9 in his pocket and the rest is history.
He styled Marilyn for President Kennedy's 45th birthday party, where she famously sang to him: “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.” He also did Jackie’s hair right before she went to Dallas with her husband in 1963, where he was assassinated.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
Were you a fan of Kenneth’s work, HollywoodLifers?
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