Vanessa Williams Mourns Passing of Mom Helen from Acute Liver Failure

justjared.com:

Vanessa Williams has sadly announced that her mom Helen has passed away. On Thursday (January 2), the 61-year-old Ugly Betty actress took to Instagram to announce that her mom passed away last week. Helen sadly passed less than a month after she turned 85. Keep reading to find out more…“On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame,” Vanessa wrote. “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 continued, “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.” Also in the tribute, Vanessa revealed that her mom “peacefully passed away” due to “complications of acute liver failure.” Helen was on hand to support Vanessa at the opening night of London’s new musical, The Devil Wears Prada, in early December.

In the musical, Vanessa plays Miranda Priestly, the character Meryl Streep played in the 2006 movie of the same name.

After Helen‘s passing, it was announced that Vanessa will be taking a few weeks off from appearing in the musical. “Due to a sudden loss in her family, Vanessa Williams will not be appearing from Wednesday 8th to Wednesday 15th January,” read a statement from the musical’s Instagram. “During this time, the role of Miranda Priestly will be played by Debbie Kurup.