Who is Barry Lee Moe? Hairstylist thanks Jennifer Lopez for aid after jeep explosion

Barry Lee Moe is the go-to hair magician behind some of Hollywood’s most talked-about productions and a two-time Emmy Award winner for his work on Hulu’s Hollywood and FX’s Pose. In late April, the celebrity hairstylist faced his own on-screen disaster when his Jeep exploded on Interstate 40 near Amarillo, Texas, during his drive home from the location. Rather than leave him stranded, Jennifer Lopez and her team swooped in off camera, arranging for Moe’s safe passage from the Lone Star State back to Los Angeles.

Moe, who styled Lopez’s hair for her upcoming Netflix thriller Atlas, shared a heartfelt Instagram post recounting the terrifying incident and the superstar’s support. With more than two decades in the industry—spanning Broadway stages, concert tours (including Tori Amos), and hit TV series—Moe’s journey from a Viterbo University theatre major to JLo’s personal stylist is the stuff of legend.

Now, as the behind-the-scenes hero of Hollywood glamour, he’s thanking Lopez’s ‘Office Romance’ crew and the Barfield Hotel staff for turning his worst day into a story of solidarity. 

Barry Lee Moe's jeep explosion and how Jennifer Lopez stepped in

Barry Lee Moe is a celebrity hairstylist who has collaborated with Jennifer Lopez on her Netflix sci-fi thriller Atlas, cementing his status as a sought-after artisan among Hollywood’s elite. Viterbo University reported in September 2022 that Moe had been tapped as Lopez’s personal hairstylist for Atlas, marking the beginning of their professional partnership off-screen.

On April 28, 2025, Moe recounted in an Instagram post how his “little Jeep caught fire while driving down I-40 near Amarillo, Texas on the legendary Route 66,” and how the vehicle ultimately exploded. Stranded and shaken, the two-time Emmy-winner watched helplessly as flames consumed his ride, only to be met with swift assistance from Lopez’s team.

“Thank you to everyone who came to my rescue in the last 48 hours,” Moe wrote, singling out the staff at Amarillo’s Barfield Hotel “who took me in like family,” as well as “team @jlo and Office Romance, who got me safely home from Texas without question”.

Behind that simple statement lies a testament to the camaraderie that exists when a hairstylist of Moe’s caliber finds himself in dire straits—and to the loyalty of a superstar grateful for his artistry. This off-duty drama underscores not only Moe’s resilience but also why Jennifer Lopez entrusts her on-screen looks to him time and again.

Beyond the blazes: Moe’s imprint on hair and Hollywood

Long before the jeep explosion, Barry Lee Moe had carved out a reputation as a versatile hair designer, applying his craft to Broadway shows, concert tours (notably with Tori Amos), and acclaimed television dramas. A two-time Emmy Award winner—first for Hollywood in 2020, then for Pose’s final season in 2021—Moe has also garnered five total Emmy nominations and five Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Guild nods, winning one for the promotional campaign and music videos of Pose.

His resume spans genres and mediums: he led the hair teams on Hulu’s Pam & Tommy, and most recently, he lent his sculpting hands to the limited series Welcome to Chippendales and Apple TV+ comedy Loot. Educated as a music theatre major at Viterbo University, Moe credits his well-rounded training in costume design, set design, music theory, and theatre history for the deep character insight that informs every hairstyle he creates.

Off set, he’s also been part of Hollywood’s tight-knit beauty community, which recently rallied around Jennifer Lopez when she paid tribute to her friend and fellow hairstylist Jesus Guerrero following his sudden passing in February 2025. That heartfelt homage—echoed across social media and at public memorials—serves as a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour, this community supports its own in moments of triumph and tragedy alike.

In a time when a jeep explosion could have sidelined any artist, Barry Lee Moe’s unwavering talent and the quick intervention of Jennifer Lopez and her team underscore why this hairstylist remains one of Hollywood’s most trusted artisans. From the heat of a flaming SUV to the bright lights of Netflix premieres, Moe’s story is proof that the bonds forged behind the scenes—between a hairstylist and his star, or a team and a friend—can make all the difference.

Jasmine is a journalist for Primetimer

She graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from Sophia College in Mumbai, where she had the unique opportunity to publish research in social science and media.

Jasmine holds more than three years of experience including an ex-Founder's role at a digital marketing agency called 'Very Weird'. Additionally, she also had stints as a journalist at GrowMeOrganic and Scatter Content. She also worked in the Social Media Management team for beauty and wellness brands, Green Maven and Yoga House Mumbai.

Jasmine is a strict follower of ethics in journalism and stays updated with industry developments in order to improve her craft. She is committed to presenting diverse perspectives, which enriches her storytelling and enhances the relevance of her articles in today’s dynamic media landscape.