Vanessa Williams will miss a few performances in the London production of The Devil Wears Prada, following the death of her mother, Helen Louise Williams.
The actress, 61, is currently portraying Miranda Priestly in the West End musical adaptation of the film.
The show shared an announcement on Thursday, stating that Williams will be gone starting January 8th, and will return on January 16th, with the star reposting 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 be appearing from Wednesday 8th to Wednesday 15th January,’ the statement read.
‘During this time the role of Miranda Priestly will be played by Debbie Kurup. Vanessa will return to the Devil Wears Prada from Thursday 16th January.’
Vanessa Williams, 61, will miss a few performances in the London production of The Devil Wears Prada, following the death of her mother; Vanessa seen in promo image for the show
On Thursday, Williams announced the death of her mother, Helen Louise Williams, who passed away at the age of 85 during a trip to London to see her perform in the West End show; the two seen in 2022
On Thursday Williams announced the death of her ‘remarkable’ mother who passed away during a trip to London to see her perform in the West End show.
Williams said Helen died December 28 aged 85 at The London Clinic due to complications from ‘acute liver failure.’
She had flown to the UK to see Vanessa on stage and celebrate her 85th birthday.
Vanessa confirmed the sad news in a statement shared to Instagram as she paid tribute to the ‘loyal friend and powerhouse.’
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.’
Vanessa added: ‘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. During her visit [to London] she suffered a major decline in health which ended her life.’
The actress is currently portraying Miranda Priestly in the West End musical adaptation of the film
The show shared an announcement on Thursday, stating that Williams will be gone starting January 8th, and will return on January 16th, with the star reposting the statement
During her absence, the role of Miranda will be played by English actress Debbie Kurup, 45; Kurup pictured in 2019
The musical is based on Lauren Weisberger’s best-selling 2003 novel and the 2006 blockbuster film – which went on to receive two Academy Award nominations
Miranda is the powerful editor-in-chief of the fictional fashion magazine Runway, who was played by Meryl Streep in the movie adaptation; Meryl and Anne Hathaway seen in a still
The actress went on to add ‘some reflections’ on Helen’s ‘remarkable life’ after working as a teacher and college professor before retiring in 1996.
The statement revealed Helen would tell her students: ‘Work the best you can and don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do something – ever! Make up your mind, prepare yourself, study hard, and be very, very confident.’
It added that she was a ‘shopping devotee’, loved travel and was a devoted grandmother.
As well as mum to Vanessa, she was also a mother to a son named Christopher. Her husband of 45 years, Milton, died in 2006.
Helen will be remembered at ‘intimate private memorial services’ in January and the family has asked for donations to be given to the Helen Tinch Williams Vocal Performance Fund.
Vanessa is currently starring in the new musical – based on the hit book and film – as the iconic Miranda Priestly.
The play follows aspiring journalist Andy Sachs, played by Georgie Buckland, as she scores a job at the prestigious Runway magazine headed by Miranda.
The production showcased preview performances at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in July and August prior to opening on the West End in October.
Williams said Helen died December 28 aged 85 at The London Clinic due to complications from ‘acute liver failure’
The actress went on to add ‘some reflections’ on Helen’s ‘remarkable life’ after working as a teacher and college professor 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 underneath the stage in dramatic fashion.
The musical is based on Lauren Weisberger’s best-selling 2003 novel and the 2006 blockbuster film – which went on to receive two Academy Award nominations.
Miranda is a powerful New York City–based editor-in-chief of the fictional fashion magazine Runway, who was played by Meryl Streep in the movie 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.
Vanessa, who is an Emmy and Tony nominee, is best known for her role as Wilhelmina Slater in Ugly Betty – another demanding boss of a fashion magazine.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .