Russell Latham, Primetime Emmy-Nominated Hairstylist

Russell Latham, a hairstylist who earned a Primetime Emmy nomination this year for his work on the NBC reality competition program America’s Got Talent, died August 22, 2011. He was 54.

In observance of his passing, a moment of silence was observed on the set of America’s Got Talent.

The show’s executive producer, Jason Raff, posted the following statement at NBC.com:

“Russell Latham ran the hair department of America’s Got Talent for the past six years. He worked on the show from day one and right up to the day he passed.

Despite having to go through hours upon hours of dialysis each week, he still insisted on coming into work. He was like that…stubbornly enthusiastic.

He loved his craft, and he was a pleasure to work and travel with. He was quick with a hug, a smile and a funny story.

His amazing work was recognized this year when he got the show’s first Emmy nomination for his work. We are so proud of that achievement which meant so much to him.

The crew of over 200 who were part of his work family shared a moment of silence today onstage. This week’s shows will be dedicated to him. We miss him so much.”

Latham was born October 16, 1956, in Waco, Texas, and graduated from Baylor University.

Over the course of his career, he styled such celebrities as Betty White, Beatrice Arthur, Leslie Uggams, Florence Henderson, Janice Dickinson, Regis Philbin, David Hasselhoff and Omarosa Manigault Stallworth. He was also head stylist on Paula Abdul’s CBS competition series Live To Dance.

His other included General Hospital, Loving, The Young and the Restless, Sunset Beach and many others. he receivd a Daytime Emmy nomination for his work on The Young and the Restless.

In addition to his hairstyling work, he had acting roles on Loving and The Young and the Restless. He also wrote a popular monthly column in Soap Opera Digest magazine called “Coif-y Talk.”

Survivors include a brother and five nephews.