Angus Mitchell Passes Away Suddenly

MODERN recently learned of the death of Angus Mitchell, son of John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS) co-founder, the late Paul Mitchell.   

On their social accounts, JPMS confirmed the news: 

"It is with tremendous sadness that we mourn the sudden passing of Angus Mitchell. As a hairdresser and co-owner of JPMS, Angus had a deep love of family, community, and the beauty industry. Angus was the son of late co-founder Paul Mitchell and was a beloved colleague and important part of our JPMS family. Angus had a huge heart that impacted countless people who crossed his path. We are grateful for the time we got with him, though it ended far too soon. During this shocking and difficult time, we kindly request privacy as we navigate this profound loss.” -  John Paul DeJoria

Remembering Angus Mitchell

Angus followed his father’s heart as well as his footsteps. Paul Mitchell was revered for his hair artistry and loved for his commitment to causes that extended beyond the salon world and Angus continued this tradition of giving back—to his industry, community, and to young professionals launching their salon careers.

In this 2019 interview, he shares that his father had passed, already, when he made the decision to enter beauty school. 

"He passed when I was 18. I had always asked my Dad to teach me to cut hair but he said he wanted me to finish high school and get some college behind me, first, but I didn’t feel like college was the right fit. My Mom was an actress and her agent thought I had a lot of promise but I really thought that since hair is a family business, I should at least try and see if I like it or not.

When I got into the Los Angeles Vidal Sassoon Academy, I put a lot of pressure on myself.  It was the first time I did something that hadn’t come naturally to me but that drove me harder.  And there were a lot of people who though I was there because I had to be not because I wanted to be. Halfway through school, one of our platform artists said,’ how are you doing, are you ok?  Because if you’re just ok, quit now, because you’ll never be as good as your father.’  Instead of feeling defeated, that really stimulated me, actually. I loved the culture at Sassoon and Vidal was the reason my father had come to America.

When I graduated, I worked between the salon and the school as an educator. When Vidal would come in the salon, I would sit with him and thank him because if he hadn’t brought my father over, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity. We always had a beautiful friendship."

Artist, Educator, Ambassador

Angus was a generous interview subject, and always loved sharing what he knew and what he was learning, himself.  MODERN often shared his work, and updates from the JPMS brand.

These are some of the stories capturing Angus and his talent, enthusiasm, and irrepressible spirit: 

Hair Heir: An Interview with Angus Mitchell

How Angus Mitchell Uses Social Media to Keep His Paul Mitchell Family Connected

A Gray That Is Grand, Not Granny

John Paul Mitchell Systems Present Style Trip

 

Originally posted on Modern Salon