Village People frontman Victor Willis dies, aged 74

1 July 2026, 10:58

Victor Willis played a policeman and naval officer in the Village People

Disco legend Victor Willis has died at the age of 74.

News of the death of the co-founder and frontman of the band was announced today (July 1) on their official Facebook page.

"We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People," a statement read

"Victor passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested."

Having recorded a number of albums on indie labels in the mid 1970s, Willis appeared in the original Broadway production of The Wiz in 1976 before co-founding Village People the following year.

That group was formed by French producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo who handpicked Willis as the lead singer, with the the rest of the group later being formed around him.

Despite being hired as a singer, Willis soon joined in as a songwriter, earning credits on massive hits including 'Macho Man', 'In the Navy' and 'Go West'.

Village People - Go West OFFICIAL Music Video 1979

During live performances, Willis would dress as a policeman or naval officer.

Willis quit the group in 1980 before the filming of their flop movie Can't Stop the Music, and although he returned for 1982's Fox on the Box album, he quit again the following year.

He launched a solo career focused on live shows rather than recording, and eventually reached an out-of-court settlement with Belolo in 2017 that paved the way for his return to Village People.

Village People - Disco Star (Official Music Video)

The group have toured consistently since, including a performance of 'YMCA' at President Donald Trump's pre-inauguration rally in January 2025.

Willis was married to Cosby Show actress Phylicia Ayers-Allen from 1978 to 1982, and to lawyer and entertainment executive Karen Huff from 2017.