21 Facts About Willi Ninja

William Roscoe Leake, better known as Willi Ninja, was an American dancer and choreographer known for his appearance in the documentary film Paris Is Burning.

Willi Ninja caught the attention of Paris Is Burning director Jennie Livingston.

Willi Ninja parlayed his appearance into performances with a number of dance troupes and choreography gigs.

In 1989, Willi Ninja starred in the music video for Malcolm McLaren's song "Deep in Vogue", which sampled the then-unfinished movie.

Willi Ninja was a member of the LGBT community who died of AIDS complications in 2006.

Willi Ninja was born to a black mother and was of mixed racial ancestry, claiming to have Irish, Cherokee, and Asian ancestors.

Willi Ninja's influences included Kemetic hieroglyphics, young Michael Jackson, Fred Astaire, Olympic gymnasts, and Asian culture.

Willi Ninja participated in Harlem's drag balls with "children" from his House of Ninja.

Willi Ninja taught his children late into the night on the old Christopher Street pier and at the underground clubs.

Willi Ninja was a featured dancer in many music videos including Malcolm McLaren's "Deep in Vogue" and "I Can't Get No Sleep" by Masters At Work featuring India.

Willi Ninja was prominently featured in the 1990 documentary Paris is Burning and the 2006 documentary release How Do I Look, directed by Wolfgang Busch.

Willi Ninja danced in two of Janet Jackson's videos from her album Rhythm Nation 1814, one of which was "Alright", whose remix featured late rap star Heavy D and cameo appearances by Cab Calloway, Cyd Charisse, and The Nicholas Brothers.

Willi Ninja worked hard to care for his mother, Esther Leake, who had Parkinson's and used a wheelchair.

Willi Ninja started the House of Willi Ninja in 1982, despite not having been part of a house previously or winning three grand prizes, which was generally seen as a requirement to start a house.

The name Willi Ninja came from the house's Asian and martial arts influences, coupled with the fact that people in the ballroom scene did not know who they were.

The House of Willi Ninja had a reputation for being multiracial.

Willi Ninja starred in a handful of films and television series.

Willi Ninja appeared posthumously in 2012 documentary, Check Your Body at the Door.

Willi Ninja died of AIDS-related heart failure in New York City on September 2,2006.

Willi Ninja is a figure in LGBTQ studies, gender studies, and performance studies for his nonconforming and transgressive gender expression as an artist.

Willi Ninja was honored in a Google Doodle on June 9,2023.