Vanessa Williams Suffers 'Sudden' and Devastating Family Loss

Vanessa Williams suffered a major loss over the holidays when her mother, Helen Louise Williams, died at 85.

The 61-year-old actress, currently playing fashion editor Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada in the West End, announced her mother’s death on Instagram this week.  

“On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame,” Vanessa wrote. 

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“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.”

According to the Ugly Betty star, her mother recently traveled to London for the opening of The Devil Wears Prada. Unfortunately, “during her visit she suffered a major decline in health which ended her life.” Helen passed away “due to complications from acute liver failure” at the London Clinic. 

Related: Get Your First Look at Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly in Devil Wears Prada Musical

Vanessa went on to “offer some reflections on her remarkable life,” which included a number of noteworthy accomplishments such as receiving a master’s degree in music education from Manhattanville College and going on to become a tenured professor at the school.

“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,” was the “motivational mantra” she gave her students.

Helen even co-wrote the New York Times best-selling memoir, You Have No Idea: A Famous Daughter, Her No-nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Pageants, Hollywood, Love, Loss (and Each Other), with Vanessa. 

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The official Devil Wears Prada Instagram account also shared the news of Helen’s death in a message that read: “Due to a sudden loss in her family, Vanessa Williams will not be appearing from Wednesday 8th to Wednesday 15th 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 16th January.”

Next: Vanessa Williams Reveals How She Really Feels About Aging Following Her 60th Birthday