Robert G. Cunningham

1959 - 2015
Celebrity makeup artist Robert Gerard Cunningham passed away on November 23, 2015 at the age of 56 in New York City. On that day the world grew dimmer as our bright star Rob was called home.

Rob was born on February 3, 1959, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Francis A. Cunningham and Marguerite Hannan Cunningham. The youngest of six, Rob was a vibrant soul, who was quick to engage in any new friendship or activity with unadorned enthusiasm. Every day held a mystery worth discovering for Rob.

After graduating from Covington Catholic High School, Rob attended Northern Kentucky University, where he studied drama, and interned at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, before hearing the siren song of NYC. He took the city by storm, sampling just about every adventure and occupation before discovering the world of cosmetics, and landing an executive position at Chanel as a makeup artist. Rob soon brought his talents to music videos and stage, instilling confidence in heavy metal rockers and countless 90's pop stars. His many notable clients included Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, The Spice Girls, and Steven Tyler and Aerosmith, a partnership that lasted for years.

In 1997, Rob became one of the hosts of the first reality makeover TV show, "The Wire", on Lifetime. It set the stage for all makeover shows to follow. Rob's masterful yet insouciant makeup advice gripped his audiences, who gravitated to his wit and notorious sense of style. Rob simply wanted everyone to feel beautiful, inside and out.

Rob swapped time between Los Angeles and New York, maintaining friendships that had been built in the early days. Ever vigilant to stay connected, Rob was a friendship expert. And everyone near him got a close up look at what friendship was supposed to look like.
On Memorial Day weekend 2004 a near fatal diving accident interrupted Rob's world, and he was rendered a quadriplegic, unable to move below his shoulders. This devastating injury would have left most silent and defeated but Rob's abiding faith in God and his tireless loyalty to family and friends landed him on the other side. Rob lived for eleven years with his injury, and still made it to Broadway shows and Harlem dinners, never once complaining or giving up. His grace and strength inspired us daily.

He is survived by his brother Frank Cunningham of Port Salerno, FL, sisters Jeanne-Marie Tapke of Fort Mitchell, KY, and Mary Murry of Rochester, MN and John Cunningham of Charlotte, NC, 12 nieces and nephews and 12 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Tom Cunningham of Charlotte, NC.

Rob's beautiful, brave life ended on November 23…but his new life continued the very next moment. He is dancing and free. And his spirit sings on, in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.