Tribute: Vincent Hill/Vicki Voxx
Friends and colleagues remember a one-of-a-kind performer
Steve Hawkins/Stevi Starfyre
I met Vicki in the mid-’80s at Micheal Lewis’s house and evolved a great friendship over the years. We became close and she marveled at my creativity. There was never anyone like Vicki Voxx.
Juan Diaz/Juanita Dior
He was so kindhearted, always saying hi and happy at all times that I saw him. Learned a lot from him as well. His kindness his sharing his teaching.
Tillman White/Dionna Lord
When I first started drag back in 1998, I was leaving Mr. P’s and my feet were killing me. As I was awaiting a cab home, Vicki came out in her regular clothes and waited with me. Much to my surprise, just before the cab came, she took off her black and white converse and gave them to me to ease the pain I was in. I still have the shoes. I wear them to every audition. They’ve always been my lucky shoes and they always come through. I go nowhere without them. VV, YOU’RE ALWAYS WALKING WITH ME.
Cee-Cee Swalling
I worked with Vincent at Arena Stage and he immediately took me under his wing. I had been going through a particularly difficult time and he coached me through it, telling me I was going to be so much happier in the end. He taught me how to work on wigs and makeup — even gave me a brush kit as a parting gift. I didn’t know him for a very long time, but his friendship and wisdom meant the world to me and I knew the knowledge and experience he was giving me was invaluable. I know everyone who met Vincent feels the way I do, that he was this nurturing, caring person who with a flip of the hair could just get right down to the roots of any problem and have you leaving that wig room feeling like a star. He will be dearly missed and I will cherish the time we had together always.
Nicki Parker Soedjiman/Nicki Parker
I have known Vicki for years — we were both formers of Miss Ziegfeld’s. Vicki won in 1992 and I won in 1998. Vicki once told me, “Nicki Parker, you are one classy lady.” I responded, “Coming from one classy and glamorous lady like you, that will go double on us,” and we both had a good laugh. Oh, how I miss my gorgeous sister. I miss her smile and her sweetness. Vicki was so friendly and so kind. Not to mention how talented she was doing Diana Ross. She was a gifted hair stylist specializing in designing wigs and a fabulous make up artist. D.C. has lost one of the finest person. Her legacy will be carried on for years to come.
Daniel Hurd
As an 18-year-old, I started working at Ziegfield’s and it was Vicki who welcomed me with open arms. When I met my husband, she was one of those with that supportive mentality always cheering us on. Her light was such a gift. After 18 years together, our favorite memories still go back to Vicki and her unmatched performances.
Karyn Smith/Indigo Diamond
Vicki Voxx and I were at her mom’s house and I needed a dress….quickly. She pulled out the sewing machine and made me a mermaid gown in an hour. She said, “My sister will never leave the house looking crazy!” I will always love VV for being my sister, friend, mentor, and shero! I will miss her warm smile and unconditional love and friendship. Her commitment and love for her family (biological and extended) and friends is unmatched.
Daniel Hays/Muffy Blake Stephyns
Vicki made many of my wigs, including the wig that I was crowned Empress IV in. When I came to pick it up, she said, “It ain’t going anywhere. Look underneath. it’s held together with five sheet metal screws.” It was gorgeous. She was so talented. I will miss the conversations together over a glass of wine. Her love of the art, and of humanity, was something that will never be replaced. The Angels got a great one when the good Lord called her home.
Leon Hargraves/Chris Monroe
As the Matriarch of my drag Monroe family, Vicki was a part of our family as my drag sister. We shared so much, where does one begin? Because all the times spent together were special and better then the next. Whether it be at his apartment, my daughter Tula’s house, sharing a nice bottle of champagne together, or on one of our many trips to New York to see a Broadway Show or just a quick getaway. My favorite moment was the first time we actually met. That was one weekend to NYC with Tula. We all stayed up talking, eating cheese and crackers, and drinking champagne till 6 in the morning (except for Tula — I think she gave up around 4). We remained up just laughing and hearing Vicki saying why haven’t we been friends before now and why it took so long for us to meet. I knew at that moment we would be friends for life and that this would not be the last time we would spend weekends in NYC together with Tula, or other dear friends Cameron, Alexis and Sarah. She would walk into a room and it would light up with that big beautiful smile. She was just stunning, in and out of drag, always keeping it real. She may be out of sight, but the memories of her will be in my heart forever.
Terry Wilson/Arizona Blake
My favorite memory was our Sunday morning phone calls. I will miss everything about him.
J. Fred Shiffman
Not only was Vicki an amazing performer, but an amazing human being. During a show I was performing at Signature Theatre (before he moved on to Arena), he told me I wore some fabulous shirts day-to-day, but he thought some were “too boxy” on me, and offered to put seams in the back of all of them so they were “form fitting.” When I asked what the cost would be per shirt, he laughed his laugh and said, “A penny per shirt.” I will miss Vincent, and everything he was, right along with everything he wasn’t. What a man.
Linda Berger/Anne Murray
As a member of the Academy Awards of Washington, D.C., Vicki Voxx was a household name. Vicki was always in the background helping anyone. He went out of his way to offer a smile and ask if you needed help. Her fashion and entertainment was the tops. Gracious to the end. Flawless! RIP.
Read more tributes on the next page.
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