In Loving Memory of The Icon Willi Ninja

I just received the sad news that one of our brightest stars has passed away at the age of 45, the legendary Willi Ninja.

Willi Ninja (“Paris is Burning” and “How Do I Look”), a legendary ballroom figure, recently stepped forward as yet another one of our beloved family members living with HIV.

Commonly referred to as the Grandfather of Vogue, he was featured in the 90’s documentary “Paris Is Burning,” which introduced the world to voguing. Yes, it was Willi and not Madonna.

I met Willi in Los Angeles two years ago when the House of Omni held its 25th anniversary celebration. I remember being smitten with Willi and excited for the opportunity to meet him in person.

Over the years, Willi had created quite a name for himself. He will always be remembered by me as one of a kind, fierce, and fabulous.

My thoughts are with Willi, his family, friends, his house the House of Ninja, and the entire ballroom community during this sad time.

It's times like this that I find myself asking, how many more of us have to die from this disease and how many of us are out there keeping our status to ourselves and not seeking the appropriate care that we need because of fear and shame?

Funeral Arrangements

Friday, September 8, 2006
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Gilmore Funeral Home
191-02 Linden Blvd St,Albens 11412
(Queens, New York)

Additional Stories/Tributes on Willi Ninja

• Make-up Beat
• Keith Boykin

Comments

[Cavalli Ninja ... A.K.A ... Joze]

Willi was the sweetest person you could've ever known. He always helped someone out when they were in need, always lent a hand or an ear when you need him. He saved me from a life of destruction when I was younger and headed on the wrong path, took me under his wing (giving me the name "Lito Ninja") He was an Angel then and he is an Angel now He will continue to look down over us and we could still feel his love.

R.I.P Willi

[Cavalli Ninja ... A.K.A ... Joze]

Willi was the sweetest person you could've ever known. He always helped someone out when they were in need, always lent a hand or an ear when you need him. He saved me from a life of destruction when I was younger and headed on the wrong path, took me under his wing (giving me the name "Lito Ninja") He wasan Angel then and he is an Angel nowHe will continue to look down over us and we could still feel his love.

R.I.P Willi

[Lifetime Achiever/Icon Kevin Ultra OMNI]

I have known "Willi Ninja" since 1982. But I really got to know "Willi" within the past few years. The most kind and thoughtful ,talented person, the most warm and caring individual. I watched "willi" for 24 years. And he will remain in my heart and soul forever. We shared much in the past year including our Ball. "The Lifetime Achievers/Icons, Stars & Status Ball December 9th, 2005. The best person that I have ever worked with. And the most supportive friend. "God Bless". I will carry on the tradition of "How do I Look Culture and Ball continuance". Love Forever, Kevy Kev OMNI Lifetime Achiever/ICON from one to another.....AMEN

[suprised]

I was went to the house of ninja site and there wasn't anything done in her honor. I was suprised by that. I feel that he was an artist and a pioneer. his house should really do something in his honor and post it. thanks

[ANGEL]

Willie will live 4 eva in our hearts, minds and in our souls. Pls b good to others that share this disease.

[Gregory]

Loss of a legend....
Yet another one of our friends and family to go to that big ballroom in the sky. I met Willi about 7 years ago in L.A. I am a makeup artist and I'd worked with him on a charity fashion show. We hit it off instantly and kept in touch via email. I'd sign on and he'd send me IM's sending love, letting me know what's new in his life, and his accomplishments. I loved hearing from him. I last saw him in person when he appeared on Jimmy Kimmel late last year. I was there with one of my clients and friends, Fran Drescher, who was also appearing on the show. We were so happy to hang out, and he was THRILLED to meet Fran who was his, as he put it, Lucille Ball. He gave us an impromptu vogueing and as always, he was stellar. I am sorry I won't be at his service, but I send love, light, and thanks to all of his loved ones. He was truly a bright light, a legend, and a friend. Bon voyage mon ami! Gregory Arlt

[Nasheed Abdul-Wakil]

Willi Ninja returned the Essence. I heard the news last night and I've been thinking about him all night.

I never met the brother. I've never been to a ball. I just know him from having seen "Paris Is Burning" at least fifty times (that's probably a conservative estimate). So, why are my eyes are filled with tears as I'm writing this?

He and Freddie Pendavis have been on my mind this week because I finally got a hold of the "Paris Is Burning" DVD. First, I re-watched the film. Then I re-watched the film with the audio commentary on. Running commentary on the film was provided by director Jennie Livingston, her editor (I don't know his name), Freddie Pendavis and Willi Ninja. Their commentary provided fitting closure for me on a host of the original cast/subjects who have passed away over the years. A couple of the original cast members had passed away by 1990 when the film was breaking attendance records at NY's Film Forum theatre (a record it holds to this day). Willi sadly commented to Freddie during the commentary that they were the only two remaining main subjects of the film. Freddie provided a list of others still living; however couldn't put faces with the names he mentioned.

He was brilliant, talented and beautiful. I still can't fathom that he's gone.

May Peace Be upon the soul known as Willi Ninja forever.

[Joaquin Hernandez]

I didnt know Willi Ninja personally, but I knew of him. He was a legend, but more like alot of you, as well as myself than we thought. He was "HIV Positive". I couldnt help but to cry, when I heard the news. It felt like it touched home. The battle gets closer and closer everyday and I havent done anything to help the situation. I cried because its sad to never know when our day will come, to never that yesterday was Willi's day, to never know who's day is today, to never know who's day is tomorrow.
The sadest part is to never know how many more people were infected yesterday, and will be infected today, as well as tomorrow with this disease that there is not a cure for.

IT STARTS WIT US, IT STOPS WITH US

It starts with us, about opening up about our status with every potential sexual partner. If they cant deal with it they probably wern't for you, but guess what? You just made another soul wiser. Protect yourself, sober, drunk, high, ask questions, educate yourself, and use condoms!

With it starting with us, it has to stop with us.

WILLI YOU WILL BE MISSED! REST IN PEACE

[taylor Siluwé]

Yes, he will be terrribly missed.

The Pier in NYC has changed. Willie Ninja, its reigning Grand Dame, the one who I loved from afar but never had the balls to speak to, is also gone. I’m feeling quite introspective and melancholy today.

This summer my friend and mentor in the life passed away also at forty-two. In the eighties we usta to do coke together ... I stopped, he didn't.

Now with Willie Ninja gone, I can't help but to feel that a chapter in my life has ended for good.

What a sad end to a glorious summer. Silver Lining?: Harmonica is back on her feet.