Elgin Charles Williams: The “Emperor of Hair” and Jackée Harry’s Former Husband

You may know him as the “Emperor of Hair,” but Elgin Charles Williams is much more than a hairstylist to the stars. He’s a proud dad, a published author, a reality TV personality, and someone who has lived a truly bold and inspiring life.

He was once married to actress Jackée Harry, the funny and talented star of Sister, Sister and 227. Even after their divorce, Elgin and Jackée stayed close friends and worked together to raise their son with love and care.

In this article, we’ll explore everything about Elgin Charles — his early life, career, marriage, personal journey, and the beautiful bond he shares with his family. Let’s begin!

Elgin Charles Williams Quick Facts

Before we go deeper, here are some quick facts about Elgin Charles Williams:

• He was born in San Antonio, Texas

• Nicknamed “The Emperor of Hair” because of his skills and fame in hairstyling

• Famous for his Beverly Hills salon and his celebrity clients

• Was married to Jackée Harry from 1996 to 2003

• Adopted a son named Frank with Jackée in 1997

• Wrote a memoir called “By the Way” in 2018

• Came out as bisexual later in life and shared his story publicly

Elgin’s life is full of powerful moments, both personal and professional.

Where Elgin Charles Came From

Elgin Charles was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. His childhood was shaped by two very different parents. His mother was a blues singer, full of creativity and heart. His father was a biochemist, very smart but also strict and serious.

Growing up, Elgin always felt a bit different. He liked things that some people called “feminine,” like fashion and beauty. But he also loved learning and was very bright. These parts of him didn’t always fit with what others expected, especially his father. That created pressure and confusion for him as a young boy.

Even then, Elgin stayed true to who he was. He didn’t know exactly what his future would be — but he knew it would be something big.

Elgin’s Big Career Shift

Not everyone knows that before Elgin became a famous hairstylist, he actually worked in finance. In his early 20s, he got a job at Smith Barney, a big investment firm. He was smart, good with numbers, and doing well.

But deep down, Elgin knew something was missing. He wasn’t excited about finance. He didn’t feel alive doing that kind of work.

So he made a brave decision: he left finance to follow his true passion — hair.

This wasn’t easy. Starting over in a new industry takes guts. But Elgin believed in himself. He began learning everything he could about hairstyling. Slowly, he built a name for himself, one cut and one style at a time.

Elgin Charles Williams and the Rise of the “Emperor of Hair”

After years of hard work and practice, Elgin Charles Williams opened his own salon in Beverly Hills. It wasn’t just any salon — it was stylish, classy, and full of energy.

Elgin’s skills spoke for themselves. He could take someone’s hair and turn it into a masterpiece. People started calling him the “Emperor of Hair”, and the name stuck.

He wasn’t just styling — he was creating beauty and confidence. Elgin also started developing his own hair products and became known for setting trends, especially in Black hair care.

Over time, his salon became one of the most popular in Beverly Hills.

Hollywood Clients and Famous Faces He Styled

You don’t become the “Emperor of Hair” without having some very famous clients. Elgin’s client list includes A-list celebrities from movies, music, and sports.

Here are just a few of the stars who trusted Elgin with their hair:

• The Kardashians

• Joan Collins

• Drew Barrymore

• Serena Williams

• Natalie Cole

• Tia and Tamera Mowry

• La La Anthony

• Star Jones

He wasn’t just their stylist — many of them saw him as a friend. Elgin understood how important hair is in helping people feel good, especially in the spotlight. His work gave people confidence on red carpets, TV shows, and magazine covers.

Jackée Harry and Elgin Charles’s Love Story

In the mid-1990s, Elgin Charles met Jackée Harry, the talented actress known for her bold and funny roles. The two quickly fell in love, and in 1996, they had a big, beautiful wedding at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

It was a star-studded event, full of laughter, music, and style. Both Elgin and Jackée wore white, and everyone could see how happy they were.

Together, they were a power couple — stylish, successful, and full of love. People loved seeing them together. They weren’t just famous — they were fun and full of energy.

But love stories don’t always stay the same forever, and that’s okay. What came next was just as important.

Their Son, Frank

One year after their wedding, Elgin Charles and Jackée Harry adopted a baby boy named Frank. He was just 8 months old at the time. Becoming parents changed their lives in the best way.

They both loved Frank deeply and wanted to give him a good life. Jackée once said that even though her career was very important, she knew in her heart that she wanted to be a mom.

Frank grew up surrounded by love. As he got older, he became interested in sports and is now an aspiring professional boxer. He also became a proud father, giving Elgin and Jackée two adorable grandchildren — a boy named Kydyn and a girl named Lyv.

Even after their marriage ended, Elgin and Jackée worked together as parents. Their love for Frank always came first.

Why Elgin Charles Williams and Jackée Harry Divorced

After seven years of marriage, Elgin and Jackée decided to end their romantic relationship in 2003. It was a hard choice, but they handled it with honesty and care.

Elgin explained it this way:

“Just like any other relationship, you grow apart. But there’s a different kind of love there.”

They didn’t fight or fall apart. Instead, they stayed friends and teammates — especially for the sake of their son. In fact, they even continued living together for some time after the divorce so Frank could grow up with both of them.

Today, they still support each other. Elgin often posts loving birthday messages for Jackée and still calls her “wifey.” Their friendship is real — and rare.

Elgin Charles Williams Shares His Truth

After his divorce from Jackée Harry, Elgin Charles Williams started a new chapter in life — one that was deeply personal and brave. For many years, he kept a secret about who he truly was. In 2018, he finally decided to share it with the world.

That year, Elgin came out as bisexual. He opened up about his journey in his memoir and shared how hard it was to keep that part of himself hidden for so long. He wrote that as a child, he always knew he was different, but fear kept him quiet.

Elgin said his father was a kind but strict man who didn’t always understand his softer side. For years, Elgin worried about disappointing him. When his father passed away in 2016, Elgin finally felt strong enough to live openly. He said writing about his truth helped him heal and finally feel free.

Elgin Charles’s Memoir, By the Way

In his powerful memoir By the Way, Elgin Charles Williams told the real story behind his success, his struggles, and his self-acceptance. He wrote about his childhood, his rise in Hollywood, his marriage, and how he learned to love himself completely.

One of the most emotional parts of the book is his letter to his late father. In it, Elgin expressed how scared he was to reveal his sexuality and how long he carried that secret to protect his family. It’s a letter filled with love, honesty, and forgiveness.

The book also celebrates the beauty of being yourself — no matter what others think. Many fans and readers found his words inspiring. Elgin’s story shows that success isn’t just about fame or money — it’s about being proud of who you are.

Elgin Charles’ Life Today

Today, Elgin Charles Williams is still one of the most respected hairstylists in Beverly Hills. His salon continues to attract celebrities and loyal clients who admire his skill and kind personality. Even after decades in the beauty world, Elgin’s passion hasn’t faded — if anything, it’s grown stronger.

He is active on social media, often sharing positive messages, fun memories with Jackée, and photos of his family. He’s also very proud of his son Frank, who has grown into a strong young man and father of two. Elgin often posts about his grandchildren, Lyv and Kydyn, calling them his “biggest blessings.”

Beyond his salon, Elgin gives back to the community. He supports many charities, including the United Negro College Fund, Women’s International Center, and Daughters of Power. For him, success is not just about style — it’s about helping others shine too.

Final Thoughts

The story of Elgin Charles Williams is one filled with love, courage, and truth. From his start in Texas to becoming Hollywood’s “Emperor of Hair,” his journey shows that it’s never too late to be yourself.

He has faced challenges, from career changes to personal fears, but he turned each one into strength. His close friendship with Jackée Harry proves that real love doesn’t always end with marriage — sometimes, it turns into lifelong respect and care.

In 2025, Elgin continues to inspire people everywhere. His life reminds us that being honest, kind, and confident in who you are is the most beautiful style of all.

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