News spread quickly through Minneapolis this week after Christopher Jon Hopkins — the beloved stylist millions knew as “The Makeover Guy” — was unexpectedly found unresponsive in the rooftop pool of his luxury apartment building.
The 61-year-old, who built a national following through his TV appearances and later a massive online audience, died Saturday night after what authorities say was a sudden medical emergency.
A Quiet Night That Turned Tragic
According to officials, Hopkins had gone for a swim late in the evening, sometime before 10:20 p.m. People nearby reported nothing unusual.
At some point during his time in the water, he lost consciousness, and by the time first responders arrived, the situation was already dire.
He was rushed to a local hospital, but doctors were unable to revive him.
Police say the exact cause of his collapse remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
Remembered as a Light to Thousands
Hopkins’ husband of 37 years, Robert Lindquist, shared heartfelt words after the news broke, calling him “an amazing man” whose influence stretched far beyond the beauty world.
“Worldwide, people were fans of his,” Lindquist said — a simple sentence that perfectly captured the scale of Hopkins’ reach.
To many of his supporters, Hopkins wasn’t just a stylist; he was a confidence-builder, a cheerleader, and someone who made ordinary people feel seen.
A Career That Started With Oprah
Hopkins’ rise to national recognition began in the 1990s, when he appeared twice on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
His natural warmth and ability to transform not just a person’s appearance but their confidence made him a standout.
From there, his reputation flourished.
In Minnesota, he became one of the most sought-after stylists in the state.
He didn’t stop at television — Hopkins also became an author.
His 2008 book, Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45, struck a chord with a demographic often overlooked by mainstream beauty culture.
It led to countless appearances on shows and segments aimed at middle-aged women eager for modern, empowering advice.
A New Chapter Built Online
In recent years, Hopkins connected with an even broader audience through his YouTube channel, Makeoverguy Appearance Studios.
With more than half a million subscribers, the channel became a favorite for women looking for uplifting, practical guidance on aging beautifully.
Ironically, a new video was posted just days after he died — a bittersweet reminder of how active he remained in his work and how dedicated he was to sharing his expertise.
A Legacy That Won’t Fade Soon
The suddenness of Hopkins’ passing has left fans and friends stunned, but the impact of his life is visible everywhere — in his videos, his writing, his old TV appearances, and in the people who felt transformed by his touch.
Even as investigators continue to look into what happened on that rooftop pool, one thing is certain: Christopher Hopkins left behind a huge, heartfelt legacy built on kindness, creativity, and helping people feel their best.
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