RIP Willi Ninja

[factorykid2]

Posted: 9/8/06 at 4:15pm

Willi Ninja, who was one of the stars of the documentary film, "Paris is Burning" died on September 2, 2006. Ninja died of AIDS-related heart failure at New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens. He was 45.

He was widely credited as being the "Godfather of Voguing" and was the "Mother" of the house of Ninja.

In reaction to his death, "Paris is Burning" director, Jennie Livingston said "Whenever you talk about vogue or voguing, Willi's name is there."

I think that he was a supremely talented dancer, who had an inimatable style. He will be missed.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 9/8/06 at 4:21pm

I saw this news yesterday and forwarded his obit to a few friends -- such very sad news. He was a great dancer as well as a very sweet down-to-earth person (I knew him in passing over the years) and I truly mourn his death.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 9/8/06 at 4:34pm

very sad to hear.

[Sandy in Sable]

Posted: 9/8/06 at 5:07pm

He was on Jimmy Kimmel a few months back, a very entertaining guest. He looked younger than 45. Yet another sad loss to the artistic community.

[BreeDaniel]

Posted: 9/8/06 at 8:09pm

The late great Ninja, the man responsible for Madonna's all time biggest "moment"...VOGUE. May he rest in peace.