Last updated on: March 5, 2025
Christopher Gerard Ciccone was an American artist, designer and author best known as Madonna’s younger brother. Born November 22nd 1960 in Pontiac Michigan – Christopher lived an extraordinary life of dance, art and design that saw him work across various fields of work – here’s a glimpse of his life and career!
Quick Facts About Christopher Ciccone
| Full Name | Christopher Gerard Ciccone |
| Birthdate | November 22, 1960 |
| Age | 63 years old (at the time of death) |
| Death Date | October 4, 2024 |
| Occupation | Visual Artist, Interior Designer, Author, Dancer |
| Spouse | Ray Thacker (Married in 2016) |
| Education | N/A |
| Parents | Silvio Anthony “Tony” Ciccone (Father) and Madonna Louise Fortin (Mother) |
| Siblings | Martin Ciccone (brother), Madonna (sister), Paula Ciccone (sister), Anthony Ciccone (brother-died), Melanie Ciccone (sister), Jennifer Ciccone (half-sister), Mario Ciccone (half-brother) |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $3 million |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian and French-Canadian |
| Books Written | Life with My Sister Madonna (2008) |
Early Life and Family
Christopher was born to Silvio “Tony” Ciccone of Italian heritage, while Madonna Louise Fortin of French Canadian descent. Christopher was one of eight siblings – Anthony Martin Paula Melanie Jennifer Mario Madonna.
Christopher was only three when his mother died from breast cancer, leaving a large void for the family. Three years later, Christopher’s father remarried Joan Gustafson; over time Christopher would develop an intimate yet sometimes volatile bond with Madonna, whom Christopher also knew well as an adult.
His Career in Dance
Christopher began dancing early. Beginning as an apprentice dancer with Le Groupe de La Place Royale in Ottawa, in 1980 he made the leap to New York to assist Madonna’s rising career; becoming one of her backup dancers and appearing in some early music videos like “Lucky Star.”
His dance skills allowed him to become part of Madonna’s world. Not only was he a dancer for some of her shows but he was also instrumental in their creation.
Art and Design Contributions
Christopher was also an artist and designer. In 1990 he served as art director for Madonna’s legendary Blond Ambition World Tour; later that same year he served as tour director for The Girlie Show tour in 1993 – both times his artistic eye made these tours unforgettable experiences.
Christopher was not limited to Madonna’s tours alone. His talents extended far beyond this role; he directed music videos for stars like Dolly Parton and Tony Bennett; designed interiors of Madonna’s homes in New York, Miami and Los Angeles; even made an appearance on Architectural Digest’s cover in 1991!
Christopher launched The Ciccone Collection during London Fashion Week 2012. These stylish shoes displayed his design skills.
His Memoir – Life with My Sister Madonna
Christopher wrote his memoir in 2008 entitled Life With My Sister Madonna. This was an in-depth memoir detailing his life and relationship with Madonna that quickly became a New York Times bestseller, drawing in fans eager to read from Christopher’s perspective about Madonna as she existed from another point of view.
This book also addressed their relationship’s ups and downs, such as Christopher’s reaction when Madonna revealed her sexuality during an interview in 1991 without consulting him, leading to tension between them for an extended period. This caused further strain between them.
Personal Life and Marriage
Christopher was openly gay. In 2016, he married Ray Thacker, an English actor. They formed an enduring bond that continued up until Christopher passed away.
Christopher and Madonna eventually managed to repair their relationship despite past tensions, through shared passion for art and dance. While their connection may have not always been easy, Christopher and Madonna shared an important thread through these passions that bound them together deeply.
READ ALSO: Madonna Net worth, Age, Boyfriend, Family, Facts & More
Christopher Ciccone Lost His Battle With Cancer and Passed Away
Christopher Ciccone passed away peacefully at age 63 after fighting an aggressive form of cancer for nearly six years, in October 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones at his final moments of life.
Madonna honored him with touching words, calling him a painter, poet and visionary. Her message showed her love and admiration for her brother while recalling their early days dancing and creating art together.
A Creative Legacy
Christopher Ciccone left behind a rich legacy of creativity. From dance to design, his talents were varied. His collaboration with Madonna played an instrumental part in her success. Additionally, his memoir offered fans insight into one of pop music’s biggest stars and her family life.
Christopher has left behind an indelible mark through his art and stories that will never fade, such as designs he created for people and memories he created with those dearest to him.
