10 Things You May Not Know Willi Ninja

He was born on April 12, 1961, in Flushing, Queens, New York, United States.

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Willi Ninja's full name was William Roscoe Leake.

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He played a significant role in popularizing voguing, a dance style that originated in the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene of Harlem, New York.

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Ninja was a key figure in the New York City ballroom scene of the 1980s and 1990s.

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He gained international recognition through his appearance in the groundbreaking documentary film "Paris Is Burning" released in 1990.

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He became the face of major fashion campaigns, including work for fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier.

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He collaborated with artists like Malcolm McLaren, Grace Jones, and others, helping to incorporate voguing into mainstream music and pop culture.

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In addition to his dance and modeling career, Ninja was also a talented singer. He released a few singles, including "Hot" and "Lies."

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Willi Ninja was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

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Tragically, Willi Ninja passed away on September 2, 2006, at the age of 45 due to complications from AIDS.

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