Renowned figure skating costume designer Jef Billings has died at 71.
He was a long-time designer and director for Stars on Ice, which announced his death on its Facebook page. Close friend and assistant Regina Winters said he died Tuesday of natural causes.
"It is with great sadness that we share the news that long-time Stars on Ice designer and director Jef Billings passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday at the age of 71," Stars on Ice said in statement today.
"Jef was not only the greatest costume designer in the history of figure skating, as evidenced by his multiple Emmy Awards for his work on SOI, but was as dedicated to the SOI production and his skaters as he was talented.
"Jef has the unique distinction of having worked on every Stars on Ice tour from its beginning. From his work on Scott Hamilton's classic 'Hair' and Kristi Yamaguchi's majestic 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' to Kurt Browning's 'Rag-gid-don,' and the 2013 opening 'Somebody that I Used to Know,' Jef had the rare capacity to match to the skaters' personalities, music, and points of view perfectly with each body.
He will be terribly missed by skaters, crew, and all of us who had the honor to work with him through the years." Billings was with the Stars on Ice tour since its inception. He recently noted on his Facebook page: "Amazing: I am beginning my 13th season as Director/Designer of Stars on Ice and my 30th year as part of the annual tour.
Thrilled to be working with the brilliant Jeff Buttle (Choreography)! Off to Japan, the US and then Canada....How Lucky am I to be part of this Premier Figure Skating Tour!" Billings was born in Utica, New York.
He was a costume designer for "Peggy Fleming: An Evening On Ice" and won several Emmy Awards for his television work.
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