Vanessa Williams to MissDevil Wears PradaPerformances After Death of Beloved Mom

Mar. 15, 2025

Vanessa Williams and mother Helen Williams at Studio 54 Theatre on October 27, 2021 in New York City.Photo:Bruce Glikas/Getty

Bruce Glikas/Getty

Vanessa Williamsis taking time off from herDevil Wears Pradaperformances in London following the death of her mother,Helen Louise Williams.

The actress, who is currently portrayingMiranda Priestlyin the West End musical adaptation ofThe Devil Wears Prada, will take a brief break from work before returning on Thursday, Jan. 16, the show announced onInstagramon Friday, Jan. 3. Debbie Kurup will play the role of Miranda Priestly during Williams' absence.

TheUgly Bettystar reposted the show’s statement to her Instagram Stories.

Vanessa Williams/Instagram

Williams' mother, a music teacher, traveled overseas for the Sunday, Dec. 1 opening night ofThe Devil Wears Prada.

Helen was born on Dec. 8, 1939, in Buffalo, N.Y., and became the youngest Black student at theState University of New York at Fredoniawhen she was 16. She worked as a music teacher for over 40 years in the Ossining and Manhattanville School Districts and was a professor at Manhattanville College. She retired in 1996.

Sasha Fox/Instagram

Fox posted anInstagramcarousel of photos of her grandmother from different periods in her life. “RIP Gaga,” she simply captioned the post.

The 24-year-old included several images of Helen, from her elementary school days to a higher education graduation. She added moments of Helen as a young girl behind the piano, as well as photos of her holding infant Williams in her arms. Sasha also included photos of her grandmother and late grandfather, Milton Augustine Williams Jr., on their wedding day and in their home.

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source: people.com