Vanessa Williams Mourns the Passing of Her Mother, Helen Williams

Vanessa Williams (right) and her mother Helen Williams (left)

Vanessa Williams has announced the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Helen Williams, who passed away while visiting London to watch her daughter perform in The Devil Wears Prada.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the Ugly Betty star, 61, revealed that Helen died at the age of 85 due to complications from acute liver failure, shortly after celebrating her birthday.

Helen, a respected music teacher and activist, had traveled to the UK in December to support her daughter as she portrayed the iconic role of Miranda Priestly in the musical adaptation of the hit book and film.

Following this devastating loss, the producers of The Devil Wears Prada announced that Vanessa will take a one-week leave of absence from the show.

“On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo, and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame,” Vanessa wrote in her heartfelt Instagram post, accompanied by a smiling photo of her late mother.

“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,” she continued.

Vanessa reflected on Helen’s multifaceted personality, saying, “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.”

Helen’s trip to London had been a celebratory one, attending the opening night of The Devil Wears Prada in the West End and hosting her 85th birthday party with 150 family members and friends. Tragically, during her visit, she experienced a significant health decline that ultimately ended her life.

In her statement, Vanessa also honored her mother’s numerous accomplishments, highlighting her career as a vocal music educator and her enduring legacy as an advocate for the arts, education, women’s rights, racial equality, and social justice.

Helen Williams was also the mother of actor Chris Williams and co-authored the 2012 memoir You Have No Idea with Vanessa.

During Vanessa’s absence from The Devil Wears Prada, her understudy Debbie Kurup will step into the role of Miranda Priestly.

A statement from the show reads: “Due to a sudden loss in her family, Vanessa Williams will not be appearing from Wednesday 8 to Wednesday 15 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 16 January.”

The Williams family mourns the loss of a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on the lives she touched.