Famous San Francisco Drag Queen Heklina Found Dead In London
- San Francisco Drag Queen Heklina was found dead in London at the age of 54.
- The famous performer was found dead by fellow Drag Queen and friend, Peaches Christ.
Famed San Francisco Drag Queen Heklina was found dead in London by Peaches Christ
Heklina, real name, Stefan Grygelko, an icon of the San Francisco drag community was found dead Monday on 3rd April in London. Heklina was 54 at the time of her death.
Heklina’s body was found by fellow drag performer and close friend Peaches Christ on Monday morning. Both of them were touring together with the stage production of their parody of the 1981 cult classic ‘Mommie Dearest’, ‘Mommie Queerest’, which was going to be released for two weeks at the Soho Theatre.
So far, no official cause of death has been revealed.
Taking to social media, Peaches expressed her shock at finding her friend dead on Monday:
“I am shocked and horrified to bring this news to you. I am living in a real-life nightmare so forgive me if I don’t have all the answers just now.”
She added:
“This morning, in London, England I went to collect my dear friend Heklina, who is costarring with me in a Mommie Queerest show here, and found her dead. Heklina is not just my best friend, but a beloved icon of our community. I am a mess.”
In a statement, The Soho Theatre also confirmed Heklina’s death:
“Our thoughts are with Peaches, Mommie Queerest company, Heklina’s family, friends + their wider community.”
Also, read Beloved Philadelphia Drag Queen Valencia Prime Dead at 25 During Performance!
The sudden death of the drag legend has left the LGBTQ+ community shocked
Tributes came pouring in for Heklina who is regarded as a drag legend. Many people took on social media to post their tribute.
American singer, actor and drag queen Trixie Mattel posted on social media:
“Icon! Heklina was punk rock and made drag what it is today. Legend.”
In a Twitter thread, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon wrote:
“You gave me one of my first … chances to shine, early in my career — and it snowballed into everything else. If you hadn’t taken a chance on me back then, who knows where I’d be now.”
Edwin Outwater, a local conductor expressed his condolences:
“This is devastating. @Heklina was an extraordinary person and Drag and SF icon, and I’m sending all my love and support to my dear @PeachesChrist, who is enduring a living nightmare. Peaches, we’re all waiting for you to come home and give you a big hug.”
Liam Mayclem, the host of the Stern Grove Festival:
“#RIP @Heklina . Fierce, Funny, Famous & Infamous. A huge hole now left in the LGBTQ + community (in Palm Springs & SF) as one of our brightest lights has gone. Love & Respect to all who knew her. Sleep with your sisters dear Heklina & Golden Girls on the other side.”
Short Bio of Heklina
Heklina was a famous drag queen and the founder of the drag performance troupe, The House of More. She was born in Iceland and raised in San Francisco. In the early 1990s, she began performing in drag shows in San Francisco’s underground club scene.
In 1996, she co-founded Trannyshack, a weekly drag show that became a popular fixture of the city’s nightlife.
She is known for her sense of humor, outrageous costumes, and bold performances. The drag queen has made appearances in numerous films and television shows, including “Party Monster” and “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.”
Moreover, she has also been an active advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has worked in raising awareness and funds for supporting the community.
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