One day before his 75th birthday, Village People lead singer, Victor Willis passed away following “a short but aggressive illness.”
Taking to social media, the iconic Disco band announced the death of their lead singer adding “We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People.” “Privacy is requested.”
Confirming the news of her spouse’s passing, Karen Huff-Willis said “It is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of my husband, Victor Willis. Victor passed away on Tuesday June 30, 2026 as a result of a short, but aggressive illness. The family request privacy at this time of great loss.”
In addition to fronting the 1970s iconic act and adopting the persona of a policeman or naval officer throughout decades of performances, Willis co-wrote their biggest hits, including ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ ‘Macho Man,’ and ‘In the Navy.’
It was in the mid-1970s that Victor teamed up with French producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo to create Village People – including Felipe Rose, Alex Briley, Glenn Hughes, David Hodo and Randy Jones – whose debut self-titled LP was released in 1977.
Co-written by Willis, ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ became a worldwide sensation and catapulted the band to stardom in 1978.
Willis left the group briefly in 1980, returned in 1982 and left again in 1983. After a long hiatus, he reunited with the band in 2017 and they famously performed ‘Y.M.C.A.’ at U.S. President Donald Trump’s pre-inauguration rally in January 2025.
Along with the Village People, Willis starred in the original Broadway production of The Wiz in 1976 and released his own full length, Solo Man in 2015.
Victor Willis was married to his The Wiz co-star Phylicia Rashad between 1978 and 1982, and later married lawyer and entertainment executive Karen Huff in 2007.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Mario Casciano
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