Beloved ‘NCIS’ Makeup Artist Joe Hailey Dies Unexpectedly at 60: Cast and Crew Mourn Loss as Show Pays Heartfelt Tribute with “We Will Miss You” Memorial

Hollywood, CA – The world of television lost one of its most cherished behind-the-scenes figures with the passing of Joseph “Joe” Hailey, a veteran makeup artist who dedicated more than four decades to the entertainment industry. Best known for his long-standing work on the hit CBS series NCIS, Hailey died unexpectedly on May 26, 2018, at the age of 60. The cause of death was reported as heart failure.

Joe Hailey was not just a makeup artist — he was a storyteller, a mentor, and a beloved member of every crew he worked with. From shaping characters on classic shows like Dallas and Step by Step, to defining the signature looks of icons like Abby Sciuto on NCIS, Hailey’s influence spanned generations of television and touched the lives of countless colleagues and viewers.

Born on August 21, 1957, in California, Joe discovered a passion for makeup artistry at a young age. His talent was quickly recognized, and by 1978 he had become one of the youngest members of the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild (IATSE Local 706). He would go on to build a résumé that included over 300 episodes of NCIS alone, where he served as department head of makeup for 15 seasons.

His work behind the scenes helped shape the tone and personality of the show’s characters — perhaps none more famously than Pauley Perrette’s Abby Sciuto, whose gothic aesthetic became instantly iconic. After Joe’s passing, Perrette took to social media to share her sorrow and gratitude, posting a heartfelt message: “NCIS family just lost a beloved member. Joe was a true artist and an incredible human being. I will miss our talks in the makeup trailer every day.”

NCIS paid tribute to Hailey in the season 16 premiere, “Destiny’s Child,” with a solemn on-screen card that read simply, “In loving memory of Joe Hailey – We will miss you.” It was a small gesture for a man who had meant so much to the cast and crew over the years.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe was a man of many passions. He held black belts in multiple martial arts disciplines, was a skilled skier and scuba diver, and had a deep love for Andalusian horses. He was also a published author, having written the military adventure novel U.S. Archives: Vol. 1, The Run for Crystal Palace, a testament to his vivid imagination and creative spirit.

Joe’s passing came just weeks after his retirement from NCIS, a chapter he closed after years of dedication. He had been preparing for a European vacation with his beloved fiancée, Sheri Dickerson, when tragedy struck. He is survived by Sheri and her four children — Holton, Trey, Sierra, and Blaine — all of whom cherished Joe as family.

Colleagues remember Joe not only for his professional excellence but for his warmth, humor, and the mentorship he generously offered to younger artists coming up in the industry. “He had a way of making everyone feel seen,” one former coworker shared. “He wasn’t just doing makeup — he was connecting with people, helping them feel confident in their skin.”

As the NCIS community and the larger Hollywood industry continue to mourn this loss, tributes continue to pour in from those who worked alongside him and those whose lives he touched through his work. Joe Hailey’s legacy lives on in the characters he helped shape, the stories he supported, and the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, Joe Hailey — your artistry, kindness, and presence will never be forgotten.