R.I.P. Octavia St. Laurent Mizrahi
Early this morning I received the sad news that Octavia Mizrahi passed away yesterday. Many of you may remember Octavia as one of the stars of the cult classic Paris Is Burning, where she is credited by the name of “Octavia St. Laurent.” I had the privilege of getting to know Octavia personally during her reign as “Godmother” of the House of Mizrahi, during the five years I was a member of the house. I first met her in 2004 when I invited her and the cast of Wolfgang Busch’s documentary film How DO I LOOK? to NYU’s campus for a special screening.
I will remember her fiery spirit, beautiful voice, and stunning physique. Most of all I will remember a woman who cared deeply about the transgender community of New York City, and was a freedom fighter for multiple social justice causes. Octavia remained involved in the ballroom scene up until the very end of her life, having just walked the “Femmequeen Face” category as recently as October at the House of Evisu ball in New York. She will be missed.
I will remember her fiery spirit, beautiful voice, and stunning physique. Most of all I will remember a woman who cared deeply about the transgender community of New York City, and was a freedom fighter for multiple social justice causes. Octavia remained involved in the ballroom scene up until the very end of her life, having just walked the “Femmequeen Face” category as recently as October at the House of Evisu ball in New York. She will be missed.
Of the eight primary stars of Paris Is Burning, only two remain alive (Freddie Pendavis and Paris Dupree). Octavia is the sixth to pass away, following Venus Xtravaganza, Anji Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey, Pepper Labeija, and Willi Ninja.
May they all be blessed, and rest in peace. Later in her life, Octavia enjoyed pursuing her dreams as a vocalist. Here is a clip Octavia added to her myspace page a little over two months ago:
octavia auditon cd for america's got talent
PhDJ's musical tribute to Octavia:
May they all be blessed, and rest in peace. Later in her life, Octavia enjoyed pursuing her dreams as a vocalist. Here is a clip Octavia added to her myspace page a little over two months ago:
octavia auditon cd for america's got talent
PhDJ's musical tribute to Octavia:
Aw, R.I.P. Octavia
A true legend in the ballroom scene.
Posted by
UrSoVain |
5/18/2009
RIP Octavia. You will be missed.
Posted by
BLKSeaGoat |
5/18/2009
i cant belive this i was text this morningabout the news, i will always cherish the telephone talks we had, and the day u calle d me, love n miss u erik
Posted by
Anonymous |
5/18/2009
Many great memories of Octavia.
R.I.P. Octavia.
Posted by
Monaga |
5/18/2009
that's awful. i hope she has peace on the other side.
Posted by
JNez |
5/18/2009
This post has been removed by the author.
Posted by
Thatguy |
5/18/2009
R.I.P. Ms. Octavia, you were truly regal.
Posted by
Thatguy |
5/18/2009
LEGEND... LOVE - THANKS & BLESSINGS!
XOXOXOXOXO
REST IN SWEET PEACE
Posted by
Anonymous |
5/18/2009
my most beautiful Octavia.... thank you for loving me, and forgive me for abandoning you.... a big piece of me has died with you..... I'll never be the same again.... I will love you forever and beyond.....
Posted by
Anonymous |
5/18/2009
Oh wow, I'm so sorry to hear this. May she rest in peace.
Posted by
Anonymous |
5/18/2009
oh my God, what a loss to our community, Octavia, you will truely be missed!
Posted by
michael |
5/18/2009
Wow! I'm in shock! I knew she was very ill, but spoke to her about a month ago and she seemed in good spirits. She had been living in Syracuse for some time, and several times had expressed an interest in letting the transgendered community know about the dangers of silicone injections. So I'm letting you know on her behalf. We had known each other from the club scene and of course I was a fan of Paris Is Burning, but it wasn't until she graced the stage at Wigstock that I knew what a great singing voice she had. And what a beauty! R.I.P. GORGEOUS!
Posted by
Lady Bunny |
5/19/2009
God bless Octavia, a true legend. She'll be missed here on earth, but God must be tickled and overjoyed to have another one of His special children with Him to work her magic to keep Him company.
Posted by
Anonymous |
5/19/2009
I have so many fond memories of seeing Octavia thru the years, she was always such a lively presence when she graced the dancefloors of any party I happened to DJ , instant excitement was what Octavia was always serving ! I remember RuPaul & I running into her on the street once & we both shrieked simultaneously, "St Laurent... OF COURSE!!" one of her trademark lines in P.I.B. and she laughed & laughed. Her presence will be missed & I will always keep her memory with me. Thankfully her spirit is forever young & will continue to inspire new generations viewing P.I.B. for the 1st time forever.
Thank You for such a kind post .
Posted by
Tenn. |
5/19/2009
Tears. . .what a beauty.
Posted by
Anonymous |
5/21/2009
We would like to keep her spirit alive where she can continue to inspire all the children in the life. Octavia's family would like to thank all for loving Octavia and accepting her as the diva that she way. If you are interested in attending her service it will be held at:
Stutzman Funeral Home
224-39 Jamaica Ave
Queens Village NY
718-465-3210
Please Call for times just in case
Linda 718-347-7740
Jonathan 347-548-5964
Donations will be kindly accepted and greatly appreciated.
Posted by
lilmama |
5/22/2009
Thanks for posting this, Frank. I hope you're well.
Posted by
John K |
5/30/2009
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