THE radio personality shocked listeners when he announced Ralph’s death on his show on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Ralph Cirella had been a frequent contributor on Howard Stern’s hit radio show, The Howard Stern Show.

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Who was Howard Stern’s friend, Ralph Cirella?
Ralph Cirella was born in New Jersey on April 20, 1965.
He first broke into Hollywood in the late 1980s.
His IMDB profile lists him working on several film, television, and radio shows as a member of the makeup, costume, and wardrobe departments.
Cirella served as the special makeup effects artist in the 1989 movie She’s Back, and as the assistant makeup artist in Alien Space Avenger.
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He then went on to work as a set designer for Howard Stern.
His credits include working with Howard Stern as his hair stylist, wardrobe stylist, and makeup artist, occasionally creating custom looks for the star with prosthetics.
Cirella appeared in various Howard Stern productions, including The Howard Stern Show, Stern’s television series, and Howard Stern On Demand.
His most recent credits include numerous appearances on The Howard Stern Show.
The hit radio show has been around in some capacity since the late 1970s.
Since 2006, the show has aired on Howard 100 and Howard 101, two uncensored channels on the subscription-based radio service SiriusXM.
Cirella briefly hosted The Friday Show on Howard 100 radio, but fans will likely remember him more for his guest appearances and frequent call-ins to the hit radio show.
Cirella would discuss various pop culture topics, including TV shows and movies, and technology, particularly his love of Apple products.
He also liked to share stories of his encounters and exchanges with Stern’s other fellow show staffers.
He also regularly accompanied Stern to various Hollywood events, even tagging along to Stern’s appearances on America’s Got Talent and The Late Show with David Letterman.
Cirella frequently posted on social media.
He had an Instagram account where he regularly posted short, witty reviews about popular TV series and movies, along with commentary on his favorite (and not-so-favorite) pop culture news.
According to Biography Gist, Cirella managed to amass a $1 million net worth, largely due to his work with Howard Stern.
What was Ralph Cirella’s cause of death?
On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, Howard Stern took to his radio show to announce the death of his friend and frequent creative collaborator, Ralph Cirella.
Stern’s longtime executive producer, Gary Dell’Abate, also known by his nickname Baba Booey, called Stern after he hosted his Tuesday show to let him know about Cirella’s untimely passing.
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Stern, who had spoken with Cirella on Monday, December 4, the night before he died, said he was “taking [the news] very hard.”
According to Stern, Cirella passed away during a routine medical procedure on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, when his “heart gave out.”
Cirella was being treated for a “rare lymphoma,” a type of cancer that was “curable and treatable.”
Cirella ultimately waited too long to address his health issues.
Stern himself mentioned that while Cirella “didn’t take care of himself,” he remained hopeful that his longtime friend would survive his cancer treatment.

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What did Howard Stern say about Ralph Cirella’s death?
Howard Stern had a lot to say about his friend’s untimely passing.
He informed The Howard Stern Show’s listeners and viewers about Cirella’s medical condition, and how it ultimately led to his death.
Stern, never one to be at a loss for words, said: “I just have been so sad and so angry.”
Stern recalled the duo’s longtime friendship of nearly 40 years, which he credited to their shared sense of humor.
“He loved me. Ralph was a trustworthy, dear friend who made me laugh every time I was with him.”
“There was a lot of good times on the show with Ralph,” Stern added.
Stern also credited Cirella for urging him to go to a party where Stern ended up meeting his now-wife, Beth Ostrosky Stern.
“He’s the reason I met Beth,” Stern said.
Stern added that his wife thought he and Cirella shared a “secret language.”
Stern wasn’t the only one saddened by news of Cirella’s death.
Actor John Stamos took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to his friend.
He posted a series of photos with Cirella, captioning the post: “At the painfully young age of 58, my dear friend, Ralph Cirella, was suddenly taken from us, leaving us all in a state of profound shock.”
“He was, without a doubt, a one-of-a-kind soul. Ralph wasn’t just a friend; he was family.”
“My heart aches at the thought of Ralph departing this world alone, without ever experiencing the deep love he undeniably deserved.”
He added: “My dear friend, I will miss you so much. I love you, Ralphie boy. Rest in peace.”
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