Graham Nation, the celebrity hairstylist known for his work with Serena Williams, Demi Moore and Catherine O’Hara, died suddenly on Friday, February 14, at a Los Angeles gym, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examine confirmed to People. He was 39.
The case is still pending additional investigation.
Nation, whose real name was Graham Cheek, shared 6-month-old son Romeo with partner Tonya Brewer. A GoFundMe has been set up to support them and has raised $140,263 as of Wednesday afternoon, thanks in part to an anonymous $50,000 donation. Vanessa Hudgens, Jen Atkin and Maeve Riley all appear to have donated.
He died just days after celebrating his first Super Bowl ad, a spot for Michelob Ultra, on February 9.
From filmmakers to artists, Hollywood lost several stars in 2025. News broke on January 4 that Aubrey Plaza’s husband, Jeff Baena, died one day earlier at the age of 47. Per medical examiner records viewed by Us Weekly, Baena died by suicide. “This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Plaza’s rep said in a statement to Us […]
“My first ever Super Bowl commercial!” he shared via Instagram the following day, on February 10.. “What an absolute blast to work on, Thank you Cathrine O’Hara for having me apart of this epic commercial.🩶”
Nation was also a brand ambassador for Fekkai, Hattori Hanzo Shears, Hairtalk Extensions and SexyHair, according to American Salon. He was also a real estate investor.
Nation was represented by The Wall Group, which confirmed his death to industry outlet Behind the Chair.
“Graham was a one-of-a-kind soul who impacted every single person he met,” the agency shared in a statement. “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.”
“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,” Behind the Chair founder and creative director Mary Rector told People.
With a client roster that also included Alix Earle, Jared Leto and Emma Chamberlain, tributes to Nation have come pouring in since news of his death became public.
“I can not stop thinking about and missing @grahamnation,” actress Erin Foster wrote via her Instagram Story. “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 shared her tribute under Nation’s final Instagram post, showing off his work with Marissa Bode.
“10 years of knowing you, from cutting hair in our hometown to witnessing you take LA by storm,” she wrote. “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.”
Leave a Reply