André Leon Talley, Next Top Model Judge and Fashion Icon, Dead at 73
Fashion icon André Leon Talley, the former editor-at-large of Vogue and a judge on The CW’s America’s Next Top Model, has died at the age of 73.
Per TMZ, Talley passed away Tuesday at a hospital in White Plains, N.Y. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Talley joined Top Model as a judge during Season 14, on which he appeared alongside host Tyra Banks, creative director Jay Manuel, runway coach J. Alexander and fellow panelist Nigel Barker. He remained with the competition series through four cycles, departing after the completion of its 17th season.
“I had never experienced such a prolific person serving up a rare mix of fashion ‘fabulousness’ and real down-home southern comfort love until I met @andreltalley,” Banks wrote on Instagram. “Being in his presence was so magical. He made me smile, laugh and was a masterful teacher – a generous, genius historian.
“Scholar, colleague, effervescent spirit, legend… you are resting now, Dearest André,” her statement continues. “But your spirit, your ‘je ne sais quoi,’ your VOICE — your laugh, your screams of effervescent, delightful joy… I hear it now. And will forever. We all will.”
Talley served as Vogue‘s fashion news director from 1983 to 1987, then as the magazine’s creative director from 1988 to 1995. After a three-year absence, he returned to Vogue in 1998 as editor at large — a position he held until his departure in 2013.
He also penned three books, including two memoirs — 2003’s ALT: A Memoir Hardcover and 2020’s The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir – and was the subject of the 2017 documentary The Gospel According to André.
Additional TV credits included a cameo on the Fox soap Empire. He also appeared in the first Sex and the City movie, which was released in 2008.
Oh no. I’m so sorry to hear this. He was such an iconic fashion editor and tastemaker. I know he had a rough couple of years lately but I hope those personal and legal issues resolved for him to enjoy a bit of peace before he died.
He will also appear in an upcoming episode of the current season of Finding Your Roots later this month.
Thank you so much for this info on Finding Your Roots. I will certainly look for it.
Now the roots will be finding him
Rest in Peace,Mr.Tally! You will be missed.
What can we say about His Majesty Mr.Taley. He is a legend. He fought against all barriers. His robes and Camano were epic and jaw dropping. He is fashion. I love you as a human being. I love you for your achievements. I love you for helping me through my darkest moments in my life. Never forgotten ❤
I remember him of course from ANTM but years before that he’d be seen on awards show carpets and I recall in Vogue. I had no idea he’d been in the fashion industry over 5 decades, and to think he saw so many moments and trends in the ever-evolving industry. The way he gave encouragement to young fashionistas and models over the years speaks volumes to his legacy!