Vanessa Williams to take time off the West End after family tragedy
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Vanessa Williams is temporarily stepping back from the West End production of The Devil Wears Prada after her mother’s death, aged 85. The Ugly Betty star, 61, shared the sad news on her Instagram as she paid tribute to her mother Helen Williams’ legacy.
![[A photo of Vanessa Williams' mother]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_234823969-42b6.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
She wrote: ‘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.
![[NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 18: Helen Williams and Vanessa Williams pose backstage as she performs a concert as part of The Diamond Series at 54 Below on December 18, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_234822849-f2c9.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘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.’. The heartfelt caption was accompanied by a photo of her mother followed by a few slides of text recounting her life and achievements. She was born on December 8, 1939, in Buffalo, New York.
![[Vanessa Williams in Devil Wears Prada]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_231635205-0597.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The reflection included a nod to her four-decade-long career as a vocal music educator and her time as a ‘proud mother’. The slides continued: ‘Mrs Williams left a sterling legacy as an impassioned advocate and activist for the arts, education, women’s rights, racial equality and social justice’.
![[Vanessa Williams and Georgie Buckland bow]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_231635269-a546.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
And requested that in lieu of flowers, people donate to The Helen Tinch Williams Vocal Performance Fund. ‘Intimate private memorial services’ will take place later this month. An obituary obtained by People confirmed she died from complications from acute liver failure.
![[Vanessa Williams, Jillian Hervey, Sasha Fox and Melanie Hervey]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_234912511-95ff.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
