Larry grew up in Albany, New York. A highly competitive and talented basketball player, Larry enjoyed success on the court playing for both Albany and Schuyler High Schools. He earned the nickname ‘Cherry Bomb’ in part for his fierce jump shot. Determined to build a career that would allow him to travel and see the world, Larry began a career as a barber, cutting hair for local residents. Larry moved to Norfolk Virginia, continued playing basketball and cutting hair. Larry returned to New York, this time to Brooklyn, where he continued growing as a stylist. An opportunity to further study his craft and expand his career overseas led Larry to Amsterdam, Netherlands where he also spent time working as a DJ. Larry returned to the United States and worked with magazine giants Ebony, Ebony Man and Essence on several featured articles.

Further opportunities to work on legendary commercial series (Mars Blackmon - Air Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal for Reebok), groundbreaking television shows (Law and Order, Cosby Show, NY Undercover) and Late Night Talk Shows (Conan O'Brian) helped Larry evolve into a highly sought after hair stylist; his haircuts so unique, they were called the 'Cherry'. As a film student, filmmaker Spike Lee, a long time friend of Larry’s asked him to assist on his student film project: Joe's Bed-Stuy Barber Shop: We Cut Heads as a barber. This began what would become a lasting brotherhood between the two men, with Larry working on every Spike Lee production including, Mo' Better Blues, She's Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, Clockers and Malcom X.

Larry's work on the set of Mo' Better Blues sparked another cherished brotherhood with one of its leading actors; Denzel Washington. Larry would go on to work with Mr. Washington on over 60 feature films, and a number of stage productions. Some of Larry's additional TV and film credits include: Saint of Fort Washington, 21 Bridges, Best Man Last Chapter, Double Platinum, Juice and New Jack City. His final project was the film Highest 2 Lowest.

In 2021, Mr. Cherry was awarded the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) for Best Makeup and Hair and a Critics Choice Award for Best Hair and Makeup, both for his work on the Film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom; and in 2019 the Hollywood Beauty Award for Outstanding Achievement in hair. Larry had several nicknames throughout the industry: Cherry, L.C. on The Cut' and L.C. He was a mentor to many within the industry, and known for his reputation of dependability and quiet professionalism and often guided the next generation. Despite his quiet demeanor, Larry was imbued with a warm heart, sense of humor, helpful spirit talent, and caring nature, who also shared the very best stories.

Throughout his life, Larry equally savored the simple pleasures of life; a great steak and lobster meal and traveling. Larry was also a passionate tennis player and fan, rarely missing his yearly visits to Flushing, Queens to take in the US Open Tennis. He thoroughly enjoyed a wide range of music, especially jazz, which he was an avid lover of. It has been said that Larry was as known for his phenomenal music playlists as he was for his barber skills. In 1991 Jazz music legend Wynton Marsalis released a track he composed and titled ‘L.C. On The Cut’. Larry also loved fashion and was a meticulous dresser whose hats and glasses complimented his signature style.

Larry Max Cherry leaves a legacy of love and commitment to his beloved wife, Rhonda Cherry; precious daughters, Nailah Kamilah Cherry and Holly Marshall; cherished son JaWaun Daniels; devoted siblings, Audrey Cherry-Reeves, Ronald Cherry, Charles Rozier and Patricia Cherry-Glass; a host of grandchildren, great- grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, close friends whom he considered family and treasured industry colleagues. Preceding him in death were his loving parents, Mary E. Cherry and Lewis Cherry, his sister Helen E. Young, and his son, Shawn Smith.

We mourn the loss of Larry, a loving husband, family man and friend. His presence, warmth, humor and talent will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/larry-cherrt/obituary/

Copy