Ralph Cirella was a longtime friend and stylist to controversial entertainment radio host Howard Stern. His sudden death at age 58 was announced on December 5th, 2023 by a grieving Stern. For almost 40 years, “Ralph Cirella dead” brought shock and sadness to the radio legend.
As Stern’s right-hand creative man behind the scenes, Cirella helped shape the show’s unique comedy style. The two shared lots of laughs over outrageous stunts and silly segments. Cirella also designed Stern’s studio look and even pushed him to attend the party where he first met wife Beth.
His health had been struggling before his heart failed undergoing treatment. So Ralph Cirella dead is a very tough loss for Stern and the whole radio crew. They gave tearful on-air tributes to the warm buddy known for big personality and talent.
Even though he was not famous himself, Cirella’s creative friendship had a big impact on the popular Stern show.
Early Life and Career of Ralph Cirella
Ralph Cirella took his first step toward fame when he called in to Howard Stern’s radio show back in 1985, before ever meeting him. Cirella was born on April 20, 1965 and grew up locally in New York.
After calling the show, his humor and creativity impressed Stern. Soon Cirella began pitching ideas for the comedy bits on Stern’s Channel 9 TV program. His first project was crafting a puppet prop for a New Year’s Eve bash.
Cirella contributed many zany stunts and characters as the show’s special effects guru. His talents made him the perfect choice when Stern later needed a stylist for public appearances.
For over three decades beyond the TV series, Ralph stayed on as Stern’s personal fashion expert. He also grew into a fixture in the studio and frequent on-air guest. The two formed a tight bond behind the scenes through all the laughter.
How old is Ralph Cirella?
When the shocking news broke of his passing on December 5, 2023, Ralph Cirella was 58 years old. He was born back in 1965 and spent almost four crazy decades working alongside Howard Stern.
So Stern and all the show’s staffers felt like they lost a longtime buddy far too soon. Just a year from 60, Cirella still had so much creative energy and spirit to give before illness overtook him. Those who loved Ralph are crushed that he didn’t get more healthy years and new memories ahead.
What does Ralph do on Howard Stern show
As Howard Stern became the “King of All Media,” Ralph Cirella was the crafty wizard behind the scenes for decades. His official job title was stylist, keeping Stern looking slick for public events and magazine spreads. But Ralph was no regular fashion guru – his work also transformed Stern into bizarre characters for comedy bits.
Beyond the costumes and makeup magic, Cirella himself often stole the show live on the radio program. He’d banter with Stern for hours as a frequent guest, weighing in on the latest showbiz gossip or sharing wild stories. Ralph would have Stern and the crew in stitches telling tales from behind closed doors of the entertainment biz.
The rapport between the two was pure comedic gold. And their late-night adventures even brought Stern together with future wife Beth Ostrosky at a party Cirella pushed to attend.
Ralph’s influence as Stern’s longtime right-hand man went much deeper than just suits and shades. Between dropping signature catchphrases on air or prepping goofy stunts, Cirella put his own creative stamp for decades as an integral member helping to shape the show’s legendary style.
Ralph Cirella dead: Illness and Untimely
In Ralph Cirella’s final year, he faced a health battle that nobody saw coming. Out of the blue, he was diagnosed with a rare kind of lymphoma. The blood cancer was threatening, but the type he had was still very treatable.
However, Ralph waited too long before getting the proper medical care, despite Stern urging him. Tragically, while finally receiving treatment, Cirella’s heart suddenly gave out at just 58 years old.
The shocking news left Howard Stern completely devastated. He was frustrated Ralph didn’t act quicker to help save himself. But more than anything, Stern was filled with sadness to unexpectedly lose his longtime buddy.
After nearly 40 years working side-by-side, all the laughter and friendship they shared made the grief that much tougher. Many tears have flowed from Stern and everyone else in mourning a warm man gone too soon.
Reactions and Tributes
The sudden loss of Ralph Cirella hit Howard Stern incredibly hard. He used his next radio show to pay tribute by remembering his dear friend. For hours Stern emphasized what a close confidante Cirella was, calling him “one of my bros” and “part of the family.” He highlighted Ralph’s constant warmth and their shared love of laughter.
Others who knew Cirella also mourned online. Longtime buddy John Stamos posted a touching Instagram message. He wrote that “Ralph wasn’t just a friend” but more like family over their years working closely with Stern. Stamos remarked how Ralph brought lots of creativity and humor behind the scenes.
Many more staffers and celebrity guests shared old photos and memories. The kind comments focused on Cirella being super talented yet down-to-earth. After nearly four decades by Stern’s side, Ralph made his mark through originality and huge heart. Those qualities made his shocking loss at 58 all the more difficult to handle.
Lasting Legacy
When Howard Stern lost his good friend Ralph Cirella, it was the end of a four-decade creative partnership. As a stylist and so much more, Ralph put his own stamp on Stern’s massively popular radio show since the 1980s. His influence will be felt for decades to come.
Some of the show’s signature features originated with Cirella’s imaginative spirit. Ralph coined Stern’s famous “Hey Now!” opener and suggested many regular comic bits. Behind the scenes, he crafted elaborate costumes and sets over the years to bring Stern’s wildest visions to life.
While the public may not know Cirella by name, his special touch hugely shaped Stern’s famous style. The show simply would not have become such a iconic sensation over 30+ years without Ralph’s talent and trust.
Most of all, Cirella leaves a legacy through his dearly missed friendship. Stern and colleagues still cherish the laughter, adventures, and caring bonds they shared with such a colorful character now gone too soon at 58.
Wrapping Up
The sudden loss of Ralph Cirella at age 58 came as awful news for Howard Stern and an entire staff who adored him. After almost 40 amusing years by Stern’s side, Cirella succumbed to a rare cancer before anyone was prepared to say goodbye. His enduring creative vision and talents made an oversized impact in shaping Stern’s show into a comedy empire.
Most importantly, Cirella leaves behind friendships and memories more valuable than fame. Stern cherished late nights giggling together and knowing Ralph always had his back. That bond can never be replaced. The warm, hilarious spirit of Cirella will live on through classic show moments and old stories told for years. There may never be another talent or friend quite like Ralph.
While just a behind-the-scenes genius, his premature passing generated huge sadness. Cirella’s legacy as Stern’s stylist and co-conspirator is unforgettable. They spread lots of laughter that will be missed but not forgotten.
