Graham Nation, the renowned hairstylist known for working with stars like Serena Williams, Demi Moore, and Catherine O’Hara, passed away suddenly on Friday, February 14, at a Los Angeles gym. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed his death to People, stating that the case is still under investigation. He was 39 years old.
Mourning a Respected Industry Talent
Nation, whose real name was Graham Cheek, leaves behind his 6-month-old son, Romeo, and his partner, celebrity makeup artist Tonya Brewer. A GoFundMe page was created to support Brewer and their son, and as of Wednesday afternoon, it has raised over $140,000—including a generous $50,000 donation from an anonymous benefactor.
Celebrities such as Vanessa Hudgens, hairstylist Jen Atkin, and stylist Maeve Riley have also contributed. Just days before his passing, Nation celebrated a major career milestone: his first-ever Super Bowl commercial.
He had worked on a Michelob Ultra ad featuring Catherine O’Hara and shared his excitement on Instagram on February 10. “My first ever Super Bowl commercial! What an absolute blast to work on. Thank you, Catherine O’Hara, for having me be part of this epic commercial.🩶”
Nation was not only a sought-after hairstylist but also a brand ambassador for major haircare companies, including Fekkai, Hattori Hanzo Shears, Hairtalk Extensions, and SexyHair. Additionally, he was involved in real estate investment.
His agency, The Wall Group, confirmed his passing and released a heartfelt statement:
“Graham was a one-of-a-kind soul who impacted every single person he met. We are honored to have been part of his journey and to have helped him share his artistry with the world. Our hearts are broken, and we will miss him dearly.”
Mary Rector, founder and creative director of Behind the Chair, echoed those sentiments:
“Graham was one of the kindest, most gentle souls in this business! His talent was unmistakable, his ego was illegible, and his time with us unforgettable.”
Friends and Celebrities Pay Tribute
Following the news of his passing, many celebrities and friends have shared emotional tributes.
Actress Erin Foster wrote on her Instagram Story:
“I cannot stop thinking about and missing @grahamnation. He left behind a 6-month-old baby. We shared diapers and sleep training tips. I can’t stop thinking about his partner Tonya and what she must be going through, losing her partner and now raising their son alone.”
Fellow hairstylist Divinity Ray also paid tribute under Nation’s final Instagram post, remembering their decade-long friendship:
“10 years of knowing you, from cutting hair in our hometown to witnessing you take LA by storm. You were never too busy to be thoughtful. You were never too big to smile at everyone. You were the most incomprehensible artist. Enough talent to have the biggest ego but instead so humble and sweet. I always described you as an angel on earth. I just never thought you would leave this soon. Rest in Power, brother 💔 the world lost one of its brightest lights.”
Nation’s legacy as an artist and kind-hearted soul continues to live on through the impact he had on his clients, friends, and family.