Vanessa Williams to take time off the West End after family tragedy

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.

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.

‘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.

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’.

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.

The Desperate Housewives actor’s post recounted: ‘She had recently travelled to London for the opening night of The Devil Wears Prada in the West End, and to celebrate her 85th birthday surrounded by 150 of her family and friends.

‘During her visit, she suffered a major decline in health which ended her life.’

As such, Vanessa will be absent from the new West End production from Wednesday, January 8 to January 15. Her role as Miranda Priestley will be temporarily played by Debbie Kurup until her return on January 16.

Tributes have poured in for her late mother.

‘Sending you love and wishing you comfort during this time. Your Mother was incredibly warm and kind to me the one conversation I was lucky enough to have with her, I’ll never forget it. I’m so sorry for your loss,’ @tarynedelainesmith commented on Instagram.

‘Love you my friend,’ Drag Race star Michele Visage wrote.

‘Oh Vanessa I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love and strength to you and your family,’ Desperate Housewives co-star Teri Hatcher said.

‘Vanessa, what a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL WOMAN. Always a RAY OF SUNSHINE. Our whole family is here for you and the family. Helen was such a beauty! We are so blessed to have known her. Love to everyone,’ @mrjerryoc echoed.

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