News | Entertainment
17 Feb 2025 4:29
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    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


    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. "

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     16 Feb: Stampede at Indian railway station kills Maha Kumbh festival pilgrims
     14 Feb: Sean 'Diddy' Combs is suing NBCUniversal for $100 million
     14 Feb: King Charles has been praised for his "immense" American football skills
     14 Feb: Sam Asghari wanted to "be the normal part" of Britney Spears' life
     14 Feb: Drew Barrymore is planning a sleepover with her daughters for her 50th birthday
     14 Feb: Travis Kelce is considering his future after losing the Super Bowl
     14 Feb: Oasis are among the nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson believes Joe Schmidt won't be lost to Australian rugby when he steps down as head coach at the end of the Rugby Championship More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Resale conditions are improving in New Zealand's property market More...



     Today's News

    Accident and Emergency:
    A motorcyclist has been critically injured in a crash on State Highway 73, the Arthur's Pass road 21:56

    Motoring:
    For South Island motorists: a crash has closed State Highway 73 between Arthurs Pass and Otira 21:16

    Politics:
    Education Minister Erica Stanford says her associate minister, David Seymour, was overstepping the mark when he announced a crackdown on teacher-only days last year 18:56

    Entertainment:
    Stampede at Indian railway station kills Maha Kumbh festival pilgrims 18:46

    Accident and Emergency:
    One person has serious injuries after a crash which has closed State Highway 2 at Tutira in Hawke's Bay 18:36

    Rugby:
    New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson believes Joe Schmidt won't be lost to Australian rugby when he steps down as head coach at the end of the Rugby Championship 18:06

    Environment:
    A temporary relief station is now operating for people affected by a fire on the third floor of a multi-storey building in Wellington's Willis Street 17:46

    Soccer:
    Wellington Phoenix women's coach Paul Temple believes winning tonight's A-League clash against the Glory in Perth is vital for their play-off hopes 17:46

    Rugby League:
    Warriors co-captain James Fisher-Harris believes the All-Stars teams should always be at full strength 17:36

    Cricket:
    Former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson believes the openers are a point of contention in New Zealand's ODI side heading into the Champions Trophy this week 16:56


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd