Tribute: Vincent Hill/Vicki Voxx
Friends and colleagues remember a one-of-a-kind performer
When the call came in that Vincent Hill — better known to the local community as the superstar drag performer Vicki Voxx — passed away on the morning of Sunday, May 1, the end result of a years-long battle with cancer, I felt an immediate, profound sense of grief.
I had not been in contact with Vincent for several years, but the friendship I did have with him was gracious and giving — all from his end. Vincent was a friend and advocate of the magazine’s, and whenever he appeared in it, in full regalia as Vicki Voxx, performing his heart and soul out, our Scene pages burst to life.
You can never adequately prepare for someone’s sudden death — and Vincent’s came far too soon. He was a sweet, gentle man and his alter-ego Vicki radiated a warmth and power that could only be called one-of-a-kind.
When we published our initial article on Vincent’s passing, we included a form for people to share their remembrances — and had an overwhelming response. What follows is a tribute to Vincent Hill/Vicki Voxx from some of his friends and colleagues. They’ve been slightly edited for clarity, but all share a common theme, celebrating what a remarkable, loving, kind human being our world lost when Vincent Hill departed it for a better place.
Michael Folks/Sarah Lee Garrett
Vicki and my drag mother took me to New York City for the first time. I remember standing in Times Square having dinner, taking in the experience. My drag mother and Vicki encouraged me to explore the city on my own and teased me when I told them I met a munchkin. I remember her helping me prepare for Miss Gaye Dreamgirl DC, Ms. Gaye Universe DC, and my year as Best Actress of the Academy. So many nights I spent in her apartment, drinking champagne while she did my hair or sewed. I remember going to a tribute show for her, where I met my soon-to-be drag sister. I remember going with her and my drag family to a tribute for Xavier Bloomingdale. I remember the first time I went to her apartment, and I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. When I walked in, saw her drawing table, projects in the works, and huge collection of books and the first thing I said, was, “Oh! You’re an artist!” The world lost has an artist.
Michael Bennett/Racine Holiday
I have known Vincent since 1979, before he began drag. He was also the only person I would let do my wig or makeup. I was with him on the night he made his debut at the Fraternity House. Although there are many memories, one of my favorites is the night we were walking back to our friend’s apartment on Q Street, and the strap on his money-green sandals broke. It was cold and raining so I gave him a piggyback ride so he did not have to walk barefoot.
Linda J.
She came to my 25th birthday celebration at Fab Lounge. I was the Lesbian Boi that all the drag queens loved. I protected them at the clubs. She promised she would be there and she sure did come, dancing the night away. Rest easy, my friend.
Enrique Molina Flores/Victoria Armani
What can I say about my dear friend Vincent? I meet him in 1993 when I was running for Miss Gay Hispanic Latina International 1994 and I heard that Miss Vicki Voxx made great wigs for Pageants. I made an appointment with her and told her what I wanted, and she made the most beautiful wigs for my categories. Thanks to her talent I won that title. I will miss her passion for doing the most beautiful wigs and I will miss her performances as Diana Ross. I will miss her as a person as a great listener I will miss her kindness and patience. Rest in Peace, my friend for 23 years.
Allan Thornton/Bombay Saffire
Met Vincent in 1981. Vincent was always kind and generous. I will truly miss him. Say hello to all the girls in heaven.
Leigh Ann Hendricks
Vincent Hill: sweet, kind, funny, charming, straightforward.
Vicki Voxx: performing Jodi Watley better than Jodi Watley.
Julio Fonseca
Vincent was integral in me feeling comfortable twenty years ago when I was a little gay boy who knew no one, not even myself. His quiet kindness made me feel that it would be okay. Our last conversation stays with me now and forever. Rest In Paradise.
Ron Chapman/Riviera Chalet
I have so many memories with Vicki Voxx, but most of all I remember her teaching me to style hair. Always patient when my hands did more or less than what my brain wanted it to. Vicki would take my hand as my frustration grew. “Don’t let the wig win,” she would say. We would walk away, have a glass of wine, and come back to it later. Her kindness will never be forgotten. I will miss most our chats. She always had a way of talking me down. “What are you so upset over baby? It ain’t that serious.”
Terry Yaki
Vicki styled my first wig when I competed for Miss Adams Morgan. I was so nervous meeting Vicki for the first time, as she was such an amazing performer and drag artist, but she was so welcoming and sweet. I remember her saying, “Don’t forget to have fun when you’re performing, because the audience can tell. You can be the prettiest queen, but you need to capture the audience’s attention.” I’ll miss her warm personality and her ability to be direct, open, and honest.
Darryl Mckinnon/Donna Nicole
We would call each other every year on July 3rd since I moved away and say “Happy July 3rd,” because we used to go out and get so drunk that we slept through July 4th celebration and show at Ziegfeld’s. I know VV and LaDonna Mills are up there cocktailing without me. I just can’t believe both of my sisters are gone. I LOVE AND MISS YOU BOTH. YOU BOTH WERE MY “SUPERWOMEN.”
Read more tributes on the next page.
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