Christopher Ciccone, a multitalented artist, dancer, designer, and the younger brother of pop icon Madonna, passed away at the age of 63. His representative, Brad Taylor, confirmed that Ciccone died on Friday in Michigan after a battle with cancer. The news was shared on Sunday, and Madonna posted a tribute on Instagram to honor her late brother.
“He was the closest human to me for so long,” Madonna wrote, alongside a carousel of photos. “It’s hard to explain our bond, but it grew out of an understanding that we were different, and society was going to challenge us for not following the status quo. We took each other’s hands and danced through the madness of our childhood.”
Madonna reminisced about their shared love for dance, which they discovered in their small Midwestern hometown. She expressed gratitude for their ballet teacher, who provided a safe space for her brother to embrace his identity as a gay man, which played a crucial role in his development both personally and professionally.
Ciccone’s Role in Madonna’s Rise to Fame
Ciccone’s life and career were deeply intertwined with his sister’s rise to fame in the 1980s. He appeared as a backup dancer in her iconic Lucky Star music video and later took on more significant roles behind the scenes. Ciccone served as art director for Madonna’s groundbreaking Blond Ambition World Tour in 1990, which was chronicled in the documentary Truth or Dare. He also directed The Girlie Show tour in 1993 and directed music videos for artists like Dolly Parton and Tony Bennett.
Ciccone’s artistic influence was pivotal to Madonna’s evolving aesthetic and pop persona, particularly during the early stages of her career. His background in dance and design allowed him to contribute to many aspects of Madonna’s projects, helping to shape her unique visual style and creative vision.
“When it came to good taste, my brother was the Pope—you had to kiss the ring for his blessing,” Madonna wrote in her tribute. “He was a painter, poet, and visionary. I admired him. He had impeccable taste and a sharp tongue, which he sometimes used against me, but I always forgave him.”
The Memoir and a Strained Relationship
Despite their close bond, Ciccone and Madonna’s relationship became strained over the years. In 2008, Ciccone published a bestselling memoir, Life with My Sister Madonna, which detailed their complicated relationship. The book offered candid insights into his sister’s personal and professional life, including her romantic relationships and his role in her tours.
In the memoir, Ciccone described their dynamic as similar to a marriage at times, as he was involved in her life not just as a sibling but as a creative collaborator. He worked on her choreography, stage direction, and even designed her homes in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
However, his no-holds-barred approach to recounting the experiences took a toll on some of his Hollywood friendships, and it also created a rift between him and Madonna. He expressed mixed feelings about his role in her life, telling Good Morning America in 2008, “It was a double-edged sword. Nobody was chaining me down to stay.”
By 2012, the siblings had reconnected, and Ciccone noted that their relationship had improved. He told The Standard that they were “on a perfectly personable level” and that while they were in contact, they no longer worked together. “I don’t work for her, and it’s better this way,” he said.
A Return to Michigan and Family Reconnection
In recent years, Ciccone relocated to Michigan to be closer to his family. He married British actor Ray Thacker in 2016, who remained by his side until his death. Ciccone’s return to Michigan also marked a period of personal reconnection with his roots, and he continued to work as an interior designer and painter.
Madonna shared that Ciccone’s illness brought them even closer, and they were able to reconcile. “When he got sick, we found our way back to one another,” she wrote, further reflecting on their unique bond that began in childhood.
Ciccone was the fifth child and third son of Silvio and Madonna Ciccone. He grew up in Rochester, Michigan, where his artistic talents began to flourish. After studying dance in college, Ciccone moved to New York in 1982, where his sister was already making a name for herself in the city’s downtown art and music scene. Ciccone initially started as a dresser for her on tours, assisting with costume changes, but quickly rose to more prominent roles, including art director and tour director.
Legacy and Final Days
In addition to his work with Madonna, Ciccone established a successful career as an interior designer, decorating homes for celebrities and other high-profile clients. He continued to paint and design until his final years.
Ciccone’s death comes just two weeks after the passing of his stepmother, Joan Ciccone, who also died of cancer. His older brother, Anthony, passed away last year, and their mother, Madonna Fortin, died of breast cancer shortly after his birth in 1963.
Ciccone is survived by his sister Madonna, his husband Ray Thacker, and his father Silvio Ciccone.
His impact on the arts—both through his collaborations with Madonna and his individual pursuits—leaves a lasting legacy that continues to inspire many.