Hollywood has kicked off the new year with some heartbreaking news: beloved makeup artist Jacen Kaplan has passed away.
Kaplan’s journey in the industry began to soar when he appeared alongside Britney Spears and Lisa Gastineau in the 2005 reality show “The Gastineau Girls.” Over the years, he became a highly respected figure, known for working with stars like Kelly Osbourne, Eva Longoria, Lynda Carter, and Cyndi Lauper.
He shared a close connection with Bethenny Frankel, Tinsley Mortimer, Lydia Hearst, and many others in the entertainment world.
Sadly, he died in a New York City hospital just hours before the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square, according to reports.
A longtime friend reflected on his impact, stating, “He was a great artist and a kind person. Once people started working with him, they often stuck with him for years.”
News of his passing spread quickly, and the loss is expected to resonate deeply within the industry. It’s noted that many of his clients had been with him for over two decades, which makes this loss especially poignant. One individual mentioned it would be particularly hard for Osbourne, who recently lost her father.
Described as a loving uncle, Kaplan had a special fondness for his dog, Coco, referring to her as the “dog of my life.”
Aside from his work as a makeup artist, Kaplan was also a contestant on “Finding Prince Charming,” a dating show reminiscent of “The Bachelor,” created by Lance Bass in 2016.
The New York City Police Department has announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kaplan’s death at his Hell’s Kitchen apartment, and the chief medical examiner will determine the cause.
