Vanessa Williams' late mother Helen has been honoured on Broadway
Helen Williams - who worked as a music teacher - passed away in London on December 28 due to complications from "acute liver failure" after flying to the British capital for a special trip to celebrate her 85th birthday to see Vanessa on stage in a musical adaptation of the film 'The Devil Wears Prada' - and now she has been remembered by the cast of 'A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical', which was produced by her famous daughter
23 January 2025
The special performance of the show last week was watched by 150 New York City music students, who were invited to see the production to commemorate Helen's love of Broadway and her passion for teaching.
Famous faces in attendance included 'Ugly Betty' star Michael Urie and TV host Bevy Smith, as well as Vanessa herself.
A source told New York Post column PageSix the show's star James Monroe Iglehart led the cast in a "New Orleans style procession from the stage and through the audience as they waved white handkerchiefs to celebrate her life".
The insider told the publication Vanessa was "greeted by [the] band outside of [the theater] Studio 54, where fans and patrons gathered to join a dance party on the street".
After Helen's death last month, Vanessa confirmed the sad news in a statement which read: "On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame.
"Our mom, Helen Williams, aka Gaga to many, took her final bow in London 20 days after celebrating her 85th birthday surrounded by family and friends.
"It's impossible to describe all she meant to everyone because each person saw a different facet of her. Loyal friend to many, icy stares to a chosen few. "We will miss it all."
After the tragedy, Vanessa took a brief hiatus from her role in the London stage show.
A message on 'The Devil Wears Prada's Instagram page stated: "Due to a sudden loss in her family, Vanessa Williams will not be appearing from Wednesday 8th to Wednesday 15th January. During this time, the role of Miranda Priestly will be played by Debbie Kurup. Vanessa will return to The Devil Wears Prada from Thursday January 16th. "
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