Vanessa Williams will miss some performances in the London production of The Devil Wears Prada, following the death of her mother, Helen Louise Williams.
The actress, 61, currently plays Miranda Priestly in the West End musical adaptation of the film.
The show shared an announcement on Thursday, stating that Williams will be leaving starting January 8 and returning on January 16, and the star reposted the statement to her Instagram Stories.
During her absence, the role of Miranda will be played by English actress Debbie Kurup, 45.
“Due to a sudden loss in her family, Vanessa Williams will not appear from Wednesday, January 8 to Wednesday, January 15,” the statement read.
‘During this time, the role of Miranda Priestly will be played by Debbie Kurup. Vanessa will return to Devil Wears Prada starting Thursday, January 16.
Vanessa Williams, 61, will miss some performances in the London production of The Devil Wears Prada, following the death of her mother; Vanessa seen in promotional image of the program.
On Thursday, Williams announced the death of her mother, Helen Louise Williams, who died at the age of 85 during a trip to London to see her perform in the West End show; both seen in 2022
On Thursday, Williams announced the death of her “remarkable” mother, who died during a trip to London to see her perform in the West End show.
Williams said Helen died on December 28 aged 85 at the London Clinic due to complications from “acute liver failure”.
He had flown to the UK to see Vanessa on stage and celebrate her 85th birthday.
Vanessa confirmed the sad news in a statement shared on Instagram while paying tribute to the “loyal friend and powerhouse.”
She wrote: ‘On December 28, the world lost a powerhouse, a dynamo and the force of nature packed into a 5-foot frame.
“Our mother, Helen Williams, also known as Gaga to many, took her final bow in London 20 days after celebrating her 85th birthday surrounded by family and friends.”
Vanessa added: “It’s impossible to describe everything she meant to everyone because each person saw a different side of her. Loyal friend to many, icy stares to a select few.
‘We will miss it all. During his visit (to London) he suffered a significant deterioration in health that ended his life.’
The actress currently plays Miranda Priestly in the West End musical adaptation of the film.
The show shared an announcement on Thursday, stating that Williams will be leaving starting January 8 and returning on January 16, and the star reposted the statement.
During her absence, the role of Miranda will be played by English actress Debbie Kurup, 45; Kurup photographed in 2019
The musical is based on Lauren Weisberger’s best-selling 2003 novel and the hit 2006 film, which received two Academy Award nominations.
Miranda is the powerful editor-in-chief of the fictional fashion magazine Runway, played by Meryl Streep in the film adaptation; Meryl and Anne Hathaway seen in a still image
The actress added “some reflections” on Helen’s “extraordinary life” after working as a teacher and university lecturer before retiring in 1996.
The statement revealed that Helen would tell her students: ‘Work as hard as you can and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something… ever!’ Make up your mind, prepare, study hard and be very, very confident.’
She added that she was a “devoted shopper,” loved to travel and was a devoted grandmother.
In addition to being the mother of Vanessa, she was also the mother of a son named Christopher. Her husband of 45 years, Milton, died in 2006.
Helen will be remembered at ‘private and intimate memorial services’ in January and the family has requested that donations be made to the Helen Tinch Williams Vocal Performance Fund.
Vanessa currently stars in the new musical, based on the hit book and movie, as the iconic Miranda Priestly.
The play follows aspiring journalist Andy Sachs, played by Georgie Buckland, as he lands a job at the prestigious Runway magazine headed by Miranda.
The production had preview performances at the Theater Royal Plymouth in July and August before its West End premiere in October.
Williams said Helen died on December 28 aged 85 at the London Clinic due to complications from “acute liver failure”.
The actress added “some reflections” on Helen’s “extraordinary life” after working as a teacher and university lecturer before retiring in 1996.
In a promo for the show shared in early July, which boasts: ‘Miranda has arrived,’ the actress and singer was seen shooting from under the stage in dramatic fashion.
The musical is based on Lauren Weisberger’s best-selling 2003 novel and the hit 2006 film, which received two Academy Award nominations.
Miranda is a powerful editor-in-chief of the fictional New York City-based fashion magazine Runway, played by Meryl Streep in the film adaptation.
The Oscar winner was critically acclaimed for her role, while Anne Hathaway and Emma Blunt were also loved for their roles as her fighting assistants.
Emmy and Tony nominee Vanessa is best known for her role as Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty, another demanding fashion magazine boss.